News24 | Western Cape’s most wanted suspect ‘Yesu’ arrested after months on the run

Police arrested Western Cape’s most wanted suspect, alleged taxi hitman Vuyolwethu “Yesu” Tshukela, in Welkom after months on the run.

Police have finally nabbed the Western Cape’s most wanted suspect and alleged taxi hitman, who was sought for murders, extortion and arson, after being on the run for months.

In April, Western Cape police offered a R100 000 reward for information on the whereabouts of Vuyolwethu “Yesu” Tshukela, 38, who was linked to taxi-related killings in Nyanga, Delft, and Philippi East between August and September 2023.

READ | Police offer R100 000 reward for alleged Cape Town taxi hitman 'Yesu'

He was nicknamed Yesu, the isiXhosa word for Jesus, due to his alleged warnings to victims that he was sending them to “meet Jesus” before killing them.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said Tshukela was arrested on Friday in Welkom, the Free State.

“Western Cape police had issued media releases appealing for information on the whereabouts of Mthatha-born Vuyolwethu Tshukela, also known as ‘Yesu’.

“He was subsequently apprehended in Welkom and is currently facing charges linked to murder and extortion cases as well as an arson investigation that were all committed in the Nyanga area and relate to the taxi industry.

“As investigations unfold, the suspect could face additional charges,” Potelwa said in a statement on Monday evening.

Tshukela is expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.