Wildlife trafficker sentenced to 110 years
A hefty sentence handed down to a convicted fugitive has
been hailed as a major win against wildlife trafficking.
Police say Thomas Chauke will spend 110 years behind bars for a range of crimes including rhino poaching.
Zimbabwean-born Chauke was a wanted on outstanding charges across four provinces in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, and the Northwest province.
Police say in 2020, he escaped from prison in Pretoria where he was serving five life terms for rape, armed robbery, and kidnapping.
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The 54-year-old was recaptured last year by investigators from the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit.
An Eastern Cape court found him guilty, and he was sentenced a month ago on six counts of rhino poaching and wildlife offences, as well as escaping from lawful custody.
He pleaded guilty to all the charges.
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