Zimbabwean fugitive Thomas Chauke, also known as Sazu Nkambuya, has been sentenced to 110 years in prison after being convicted of rhino poaching, escaping custody, and illegal firearm possession. The 54-year-old was captured following a wide-ranging investigation by the SAPS Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit.
Chauke pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including six counts of rhino poaching and three counts of escaping lawful custody. He was convicted by the Makhanda High Court after police linked him to wildlife crimes and serious offenses committed across several provinces.
According to SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi, Chauke was previously incarcerated at Kgosi Mampuru Prison, where he was serving five life sentences for violent crimes. He escaped on December 9, 2020, triggering a national manhunt. He was rearrested on March 25, 2024, in Modimolle for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Further investigations revealed Chauke’s involvement in multiple serious crimes, including armed robbery, rape, and kidnapping. STES worked closely with the National Prosecuting Authority to consolidate charges, resulting in a comprehensive prosecution effort, according to Mukhathi.
