In a major breakthrough in the fight against rhino poaching and wildlife-related crime, Thomas Chauke, a 54-year-old Zimbabwean citizen and hoping to be a fugitive, also known as Sazu Nkambuya, was sentenced to 110 years in prison by the Makanda High Court.
This follows extensive and in-depth investigation by detectives from South Africa’s Police Services (SAPS) headquarters, inventory theft and endangered species (STES) units.
Chauke was found guilty of six counts related to Rhino Poaching and Wildlife-related crimes, and three counts of escape from legal custody.
“The accused was a fugitive and had sought multiple charges involving cases related to rhino poaching and wildlife in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and northwest. He was also linked to several cases including armed robbery, rape and trickery,” South African police (SAPS) said in a statement.
SAPS said Chauke had previously been jailed at the Kgosi Mampuru Correction Service. There, he was subject to five life sentences for violent crimes such as rape, armed, robbery and tricking. He fled from detention on December 9, 2020, urging further investigation and search efforts by STES.
After being arrested in 2024, the STES team contacted the National Prosecutors Authority (NPA) to coordinate the centralization of multiple dockets from various states and to ensure effective coordination and successful prosecution for the accused.
On February 28, 2025, Chauke pleaded guilty to all Rhino Poaching and Wild Life-related cases, including three counts that flee legal custody, and was sentenced to 110 years in prison by Makhanda High Court.
“The STES team is dedicated to protecting both wildlife and the community from individuals engaged in criminal activities and ensuring that the responsible person is booked and accountable,” SAPS said.
