Taxi hitman abandons bail application amid expanded charges

The man alleged to be a taxi hitman linked to a string of violent attacks in the Western Cape, has abandoned his bail application.

Vuyolwethu "Yesu" Tshukela appeared briefly in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where he informed the court that he would no longer be seeking his release on bail.

He is set to return to court on August 8.

Originally from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape,Tshukela was arrested in Welkom in the Free State last month after evading police for several months.

He initially faced four charges, including murder, attempted murder, and extortion.

However, the State has significantly expanded its case against him.

Last week, the State confirmed that 14 additional charges had been added after consultation with a senior advocate, bringing the total number of charges to 18.

These now include kidnapping, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, malicious injury to property, robbery, intimidation, arson, and a second count of attempted murder, this time involving a security officer.

According to police, Tshukela is alleged to have been behind a spate of violent incidents between August and September 2024, in areas including Philippi East, Nyanga, and Delft.

These incidents were widely publicised, with the Western Cape police issuing several appeals for information on his whereabouts.

Among the incidents, on August 18, 2024, Tshukela allegedly approached a group of taxi drivers gathered at a rank and opened fire, killing one driver in front of witnesses. It is believed the victim had refused to pay extortion money.

Tshukela remains in custody until his next appearance.

Cape Argus