The feared Mamelodi taxi boss Vusi Khekhe Mathibela has been arrested.
The arrest follows allegations of extortion, intimidation and assault against him.
Police minister promises to end Mamelodi terror
This arrest came after the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele had promised to book a number of suspects who were terrorising the communities within Pretoria, at Sbusiso Kwinana’s funeral.
The minister said;
“The long arm of the law knows no boundaries and will forever take its course no matter who you are. Residents of Mamelodi have been living in fear for far too long, the authority of the State will be felt and heard in all corners of South Africa”
Mamelodi “number one tsotsi”
The dubbed “number one tsotsi” has not been working alone.
Mathibela has allegedly been working with an alleged syndicate to carry out the terrorism within the community.
Mathibela handed himself over to the police on 12 March 2019.
Police Minister Bheki Cele and Police Commissioner Mathibela Sithole welcome the arrest.
It first arose that Mathibela was terrorising the community of Mamelodi East on 25 February 2019, when the Minister of Police engaged with the community.
On 1 March 2019 a multidisciplinary stabilisation intervention was launched in Mamelodi.
The intervention resulted in the arrest of six suspects with Vusi Mathibela set to appear in the Pretoria magistrate’s court on 15 March 2019.
Mamelodi residents live in fear
Dozens of Mamelodi business owners allegedly had to pay an amount of R200 to Mathibela and his alleged syndicate, weekly.
This resulted in a number of complaints from community members who became tired of the alleged extortion but were too afraid to speak out.
The Police commissioner has ensured;
“As part of the Turn-around Vision of the SAPS we will continue to stamp the authority of the State by arresting and prosecuting wrongdoers in all communities thus ensuring that people are and feel safe,”
