A Zimbabwean national and wanted fugitive, Thomas Chauke, 54, was sentenced to 110 years in prison by the Makhanda High Court, for rhino poaching, wildlife-related crimes, and multiple escapes from custody, authorities said.
Chauke, also known as Sazu Nkambuya, was convicted on six counts linked to rhino poaching and illegal wildlife trade, along with three counts of escaping lawful custody, according to court documents.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said its Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STES) led the investigation, which culminated in Chauke’s arrest and prosecution.
Chauke had been a fugitive prior to his trial, with authorities pursuing him across multiple jurisdictions for years.
“The accused was a fugitive, wanted for multiple charges on rhino poaching and wildlife related cases in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal and North West. He was also linked to several cases, including armed robbery, rape and kidnapping,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.
The SAPS said Chauke had previously been incarcerated at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Services, where he was serving five life sentences for violent crimes, including rape, armed, robbery and kidnapping. He escaped from custody on 9 December 2020, prompting further investigation and search efforts by STES.
Following his arrest in 2024, the STES team coordinated the centralisation of multiple dockets from various provinces and liaised with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), to ensure effective coordination and successful prosecution of the accused.
On 28 February 2025, Chauke pleaded guilty to all rhino poaching and wildlife related cases, including three counts of escaping from lawful custody, and was sentenced to 110 years imprisonment by the Makhanda High Court.
“The STES team remains dedicated to safeguarding both wildlife and the community from individuals engaged in criminal activities and ensuring that those responsible are brought to book and held accountable,” the SAPS said.
The sentencing marks one of the harshest penalties imposed in South Africa for wildlife crimes. With the largest rhino population in the world, South Africa has been hardest hit during the current poaching crisis. In 2024, 420 rhinos were killed in South Africa, a welcome decrease of more than 15% compared to 2023.
