Mthatha, Eastern Cape — 24 June 2025

A well-known Eastern Cape taxi boss was gunned down along with five associates during a police shootout on Monday evening, bringing to light serious allegations of extortion, intimidation, and long-standing community fear in and around Mthatha.

The deadly incident occurred around 18:00 on the R61 road between Mthatha and Ngcobo, following a confrontation between the police’s elite National Intervention Unit (NIU) and a group allegedly involved in criminal activities linked to the region’s taxi industry. Four pistols were recovered at the scene.

Sources have confirmed that the deceased includes Bishop Zola Yolelo, a prominent taxi boss and former Santaco provincial chairperson, previously accused of leading an extortion ring (Protection fee) in the transport sector.

What is a “Protection Fee”?

In the context of the ongoing conflict in Mthatha, a protection fee refers to illegal payments demanded from businesses, organisations, and individuals in exchange for so-called “protection” from violence or sabotage — ironically often carried out by the very people collecting the fee. Failure to comply has reportedly led to vehicle torchings, assaults, and even murder.

“They Were Extorting Everyone”

Humanitarian group Gift of the Givers was among the first to raise alarm bells publicly. The organisation reported being threatened while delivering water to flood-stricken communities in Mthatha. They were accused by local water truck owners of “stealing their bread,” — suggesting that charitable efforts were cutting into illicit earnings.

Due to mounting threats, Gift of the Givers had to be escorted by SAPS officers during water deliveries.

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But they weren’t the only victims.

International bus company Intercape has long complained about intimidation and violence. Their buses have been burned, drivers murdered, and passengers left traumatised. Shockingly, despite repeated incidents, no criminal cases were formally opened by the South African Police Service (SAPS). In some cases, buses had to be escorted out of Mthatha by heavily armed police convoys to prevent further attacks.

Taxi Boss Once Handed Himself Over — No Charges Followed

Ironically, in April 2025, Bishop Zola Yolelo and another top taxi boss, Fuzile “Teacher” Mtshengele, handed themselves over to police after learning they were wanted for extortion and intimidation.

According to their attorney, Luntu Jikijela, Mtshengele surrendered at Ezibeleni Police Station and was transferred to East London, while Yolelo surrendered at Fleet Street Police Station. Despite the gravity of the charges, no formal charges were immediately laid, and both men were kept in custody without explanation.

Months earlier, in November 2024, both Yolelo and Mtshengele had also been arrested by members of the special violent crimes task team at the Mall of Africa in Midrand. They were released hours later without any progress on the case. The failure to prosecute these high-profile figures had left many questioning whether there were deeper systemic issues at play.

“We handed them over in good faith, but nothing happened. It was as if the charges disappeared,” Jikijela told Daily Dispatch at the time.

Read Full Article – Daily Dispatch, April 11, 2025

Whistleblower Pleads for His Life

In a chilling twist earlier this year, another Eastern Cape taxi owner came forward, risking his life to expose the inner workings of the alleged extortion scheme. In a public video, the unnamed operator claimed that all taxi owners in Mthatha were being forced to pay R3 million a month to operate — money reportedly demanded by Bishop Yolelo and “Teacher” Mtshengele.

“I was warned that they wanted to kill me. I had to sleep away from home. When I returned, I found my house ransacked, and they had broken into my safe,” he said, pleading for protection.

Is Justice Finally Catching Up?

The deaths of Yolelo and his associates mark a dramatic turn in what has long been an open secret in the Eastern Cape — a region held hostage by organised taxi violence, extortion, and an alarming lack of prosecution.

While some are mourning the loss of “community leaders,” many Mthatha residents and business operators are quietly breathing a sigh of relief, hoping this signals the beginning of a new era — one where rule of law finally triumphs over fear and violence.