One of Cape Town and Khayelitsha’s most wanted fugitives Yanga Nyalara, also known as Bara, made a brief court appearance at the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Monday 4 July.
He is facing at least 31 charges, including six murder cases in which a total of 19 people lost their lives in Khayelitsha last year. He has been on the run for months (“Reward for Nyalara arrest” City Vision 16 June). He was arrested in Bothasig on Friday 1 July in possession of drugs with an estimated value of R90 000.
According to Eric Ntabazalila, the spokesperson for the Western Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Nyalara did not exercise his right to apply for bail. He said more charges are likely to be added.
The 30-year-old will remain in custody until his next court appearance scheduled for Thursday 18 August.
The Minister of Police Bheki Cele and the Western Cape police commissioner, Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile, who both attended the court proceedings, praised the South African Police Services (Saps) members who pursued every avenue to ensure Nyalara’s arrest.
“Besides the six murder charges, Nyalara has also been charged with the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, attempted murder, robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition as well as dealing in drugs,” said Col Andre Traut, Western Cape police spokesperson.
Traut said Saps would like to express their appreciation to the public for providing valuable information and assisting us to create a safer environment for communities by removing ruthless criminals from our streets.