Simon Majuta Chauke, 56, a long-sought suspect in a rhino poaching case, is scheduled to appear before the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 09 February 2026.
Chauke was arrested in an intelligence-driven operation on Friday, 06 February 2026, at approximately 11:30 in Hammanskraal, Gauteng Province. The arrest was executed by the Limpopo Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, in collaboration with Modimolle Detectives, following the issuance of a warrant after Chauke failed to appear in court while out on bail for rhino poaching-related offences.
He faces multiple charges, including possession of rhino horn, rhino poaching, and the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The case originates from an initial arrest on 29 January 2024, when Chauke was intercepted at the Kranskop Toll Gate while travelling from Phalaborwa to Gauteng Province. During that arrest, police discovered a rhino horn concealed inside his vehicle.
Subsequent investigations led authorities to a farm in Gravellotte, where a rhino carcass was located. The hunting rifle and ammunition believed to have been used in the crime were later recovered at Kliprivier, near Alberton in Gauteng Province.
Police confirmed that investigations into the matter are ongoing.