Western Cape’s Most Wanted, Linked to Taxi Murders, Arrested in Free State

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The Western Cape’s most wanted suspect, Vuyolwethu Tshukela aka ‘Yesu’, has been arrested in the Free State.

 

The 38-year-old was on the run and had been sought for a string of murders, extortion and arson, linked to the taxi industry.

 

He was arrested in Welkom on Friday, 13 June. It follows a R100,000 police reward for information that could bring him to book.

 

In April, the Western Cape police had issued media releases appealing for information on the whereabouts of the Mthatha-born accused.

 

READ: Western Cape Police Offer R100,000 Reward for Alleged Taxi-Hitman

 

He is currently facing charges linked to murder and extortion cases as well as an arson investigation, which were all committed in the Nyanga area and relate to the taxi industry.

 

As investigations unfold, Tshukela could face additional charges.

 

He is expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s court on Tuesday, 17 June.

 

Authorities have linked him to at least four murders carried out in Philippi East and Nyanga in August 2024, as well as killings in Nyanga and Delft in September 2024.

Liesl Smit
Liesl Smit
Liesl is the Smile 90.4FM News Manager. She has been at Smile since 2016, with nearly 20 years experience in the radio industry, including reading news, field reporting and producing. In 2008 she won the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Award, Western Cape region. liesl@smile904.fm

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