Zimbabwean Man Receives Three Life Sentences Plus 226 Years for 26 Crimes
A 34-year-old Zimbabwean man has been handed a severe sentence by the Pretoria High Court, receiving three life sentences along with an additional 226 years imprisonment. This verdict was delivered following his conviction on 26 counts of grave offenses including rape, murder, illegal immigration, kidnapping, burglary, jailbreak, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and robbery.
Ms. Lumka Mahanjana, spokesperson for the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) Gauteng Division: Pretoria, confirmed the sentences, detailing that the man’s arrest ensued after his escape from prison in 2020, where he was serving a 15-year term for burglary and robbery. The extensive list of charges underscores the gravity and scale of his criminal deeds, which have inflicted substantial harm and suffering upon numerous victims.
“He was also sentenced to 80 years’ direct imprisonment, for four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, 90 years’ direct imprisonment for six counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, 15 years’ direct imprisonment, for five counts of housebreaking, 15 years’ direct imprisonment for three counts of kidnapping.
“In addition, he will serve 10 years’ direct imprisonment for rape, 12 years’ direct imprisonment for four counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, two years’ direct imprisonment for escaping from custody, and two years’ direct imprisonment for being illegal in the country”.
Ms. Mahanjana disclosed that Chauke had been handed a 15-year sentence at Kgosi Maphuru Correctional Services for aggravated housebreaking and robbery. However, he absconded from custody in December 2020, only two months into his sentence. Subsequent to his escape, Chauke and his cohorts engaged in a series of criminal activities in and around Olievenhoutbosch and Wierda Park, utilizing a consistent modus operandi.
According to Ms. Mahanjana, the gang would forcibly enter homes, pilfering valuables, and subsequently subjecting female victims to sexual assault in nearby fields. It’s worth noting that the youngest victim was a 17-year-old girl. Ms. Mahanjana further elaborated that on June 7, 2022, Chauke and an associate fatally shot a 35-year-old man at a makeshift camp in Olievenhoutbosch.
“The youngest of his victims was a 17-year-old girl. On 7 June 2022, Chauke and his accomplice arrived shot, and killed a 35-year-old man at a squatter camp in Olievenhoutbosch”, said Miss Mahanjana.
“Chauke was then arrested two days later after a witness to the murder pointed him out to the police and has been in custody since.
