Mbombela (Formerly Nelspruit) – Elite crime busters – the Hawks – are looking for 42-year-old Junior George Mabele Chauke, who skipped bail in a matter in which he was accused of the unlawful possession of six rhino horns worth about R876 000.
The wanted suspect Junior Chauke, originally from Giyani in Limpopo, was on bail when he absconded.
Junior Chauke and his co-accused, 33-year-old Prince Ntsako Letswele, were arrested by police in Ermelo on 8 December 2022.
Acting on a tip-off the police spotted a vehicle fitting the description they had been given.
When the police stopped the vehicle, the occupants tried to run away but they were apprehended.
The vehicle was searched and six rhino horns with an estimated value of R876000 were found hidden and were confiscated.
The suspects appeared in court on several occasions and were eventually released on bail.
However, Letswele was re-arrested on a Piet Retief criminal case committed while on bail. He remains in custody.
Junior Chauke appeared in court on several occasions and later absconded court.
Hawks spokesperson in Mpumalanga Captain Dineo Sekgotodi said a warrant of his arrest was authorised on 1 March 2024.
“The Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Gerber is requesting Chauke to come forward and hand himself over to authorities,” Captain Sekgotodi.
“He further requests members of the public to assist with information about the whereabouts of Chauke by contacting the investigating Officer Warrant Officer RR Mokoena on 082 303 9965.”
General Gerber assured the public that all information received would be dealt with confidentially.
