Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dr Dion George has commended the police’s Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit for their meticulous investigation and dedication in securing a significant victory against rhino poaching and wildlife-related crimes.
This follows the conviction and sentencing of Thomas Chauke, a 54-year-old Zimbabwean national, to 110 years’ imprisonment by the Makhanda High Court on six counts of rhino poaching and wildlife-related offences and three counts of escaping lawful custody.
Police spokesperson Vincent Mukhathi said Chauke, also known as Sazu Nkambuya, was convicted and sentenced on February 28 after pleading guilty to the charges.
“The accused was apprehended by Modimolle Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit on 25 March 2024 for unlawful possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
“Upon further investigation, the SAPS Head Office, Stock Theft and Endangered Species team uncovered that Chauke was implicated in a spate of serious criminal activities across provinces, including rhino poaching and unlawful possession of firearms.
“The accused was a fugitive, wanted for multiple charges of 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,” Mukhathi said.
Chauke, previously serving time at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Services, had escaped from prison on December 9, 2020 where he was serving five life term sentences for crimes including rape, armed robbery and kidnapping, prompting further investigation and search efforts by STES.
In addition to these charges, the accused was under investigation for rhino poaching across the country, as well as illegal possession of firearms.
“Upon the successful apprehension of Chauke last year, the STES team worked diligently to centralise the dockets from provinces and liaised with the NPA for effective coordination and successful prosecution of the accused,” Mukhathi said.
George said Chauke’s conviction underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to combatting environmental crime.
The minister applauded the collaborative efforts between the SAPS and the NPA, which ensured effective coordination and prosecution across multiple provinces.
George also highlighted the department’s measures to address challenges related to bail applications for perpetrators.
“The department is actively engaging with the NPA and SAPS through platforms like the National Biodiversity Investigators Forum (NBIF) to enhance opposition to bail, particularly for repeat offenders and foreign nationals with no fixed address.
“These discussions focus on improving the quality of affidavits drafted by investigating officers to present stronger cases in court. The department is also sharing best-practice affidavits with investigators to ensure more effective bail opposition and is exploring options to secure funding for dedicated support to SAPS in these applications. Additionally, at the upcoming Environmental Management Inspectors (EMI) executive training in April 2025, the NPA will address bail-related issues, allowing for direct engagement with the Minister and other stakeholders,” the department said.
Cape Times