For years, one man managed to slip through the cracks of justice, leaving a trail of violence, poaching, and heartbreak across South Africa. But now, the law has finally caught up with him.
Thomas Chauke, a 54-year-old Zimbabwean national also known as Sazu Nkambuya, is officially off the streets—and he’s not coming back anytime soon.
This fugitive has just been handed a staggering 110-year prison sentence by the Makhanda High Court, and honestly, it’s a verdict that feels long overdue.
A Career Criminal with a Long and Dangerous History
Chauke wasn’t just a petty poacher. According to South African Police Service (SAPS), he was one of the most wanted criminals connected to a web of rhino poaching operations across provinces like the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the North West.
And it doesn’t stop there—he was also linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, and rape.
Before this latest conviction, Chauke had already been serving five life sentences at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Services for violent crimes.
But in a dramatic twist, he escaped prison back in December 2020, prompting a full-scale manhunt by the SAPS’s elite Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit.
The Big Arrest and a Coordinated Legal Comeback
After four years on the run, Chauke was finally caught in 2024. But this time, authorities were ready.
The STES team worked closely with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), pulling together all the charges and cases from different provinces to make sure this guy wouldn’t walk free again.
He finally pleaded guilty on February 28, 2025, to all rhino poaching and wildlife-related charges, along with three counts of escaping lawful custody.
The court didn’t go easy—he was handed down a total of 110 years in prison.
Fighting for Justice—And for the Rhinos
This case is more than just one man’s downfall. It’s a massive win for wildlife conservation, especially in a country where rhino poaching continues to threaten one of its most iconic animals.
SAPS made it clear that their focus isn’t just on catching criminals, but on protecting both people and the planet from those who show no regard for either.
“The STES team remains dedicated to safeguarding both wildlife and the community,” said SAPS in a statement, “and ensuring those responsible are brought to book and held accountable.”