In a serious breakthrough within the struggle in opposition to rhino poaching and wildlife-related crimes, 54-year-old Zimbabwean nationwide and needed fugitive, Thomas Chauke, often known as Sazu Nkambuya, has been convicted and sentenced to 110 years’ imprisonment by the Makhanda Excessive Court docket.

This follows an in depth investigation by detectives from the South African Police Service (SAPS) Head Workplace, Inventory Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit. 

Escaped from custody

Chauke was discovered responsible on six counts associated to rhino poaching and wildlife associated crimes, in addition to three counts of escaping from lawful custody.

“The accused was a fugitive, needed for a number of prices on rhino poaching and wildlife associated circumstances within the Jap Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and North West.

“He was additionally linked to a number of circumstances, together with armed theft, rape and kidnapping,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) mentioned in an announcement.

The SAPS mentioned Chauke had beforehand been incarcerated at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Companies, the place he was serving 5 life sentences for violent crimes, together with rape, armed, theft and kidnapping.

He escaped from custody on 9 December 2020, prompting additional investigation and search efforts by STES.

Pleaded responsible

Following his arrest in 2024, the STES group coordinated the centralisation of a number of dockets from numerous provinces and liaised with the Nationwide Prosecuting Authority (NPA), to make sure efficient coordination and profitable prosecution of the accused.

On 28 February 2025, Chauke pleaded responsible to all rhino poaching and wild life associated circumstances, together with three counts of escaping from lawful custody, and was sentenced to 110 years imprisonment by the Makhanda Excessive Court docket.

“The STES group stays devoted to safeguarding each wildlife and the neighborhood from people engaged in legal actions and making certain that these accountable are dropped at ebook and held accountable,” the SAPS mentioned.

110 years behind bars sounds about proper, agree?

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