More charges have been brought against Brighton Chauke, who was one of the Soutpansberg’s most wanted criminals for almost a year. 

The 30-year-old Chauke appeared in the Louis Trichardt Regional Court on Monday. He was once again charged with, among others, violent armed robberies, after his daring escape from police custody in Musina in October 2010. At the time of his escape, Chauke was awaiting trial for a murder case in Musina, together with his brother, Shorty Chauke. Shorty (42) has since been sentenced to 45 years' imprisonment on these armed robbery charges.

After almost a year on the run, Chauke was rearrested on 7 August 2011 by members of the Waterval SAPS. Since his re-arrest, he has been positively connected to many others violent armed robberies, housebreakings and attempted murders.

During Monday’s appearance, Chauke appeared on the three charges that his brother had been convicted of. These charges relate to three robberies in April 2009 at three different businesses in Makhado (Louis Trichardt). Of these, one was caught on security camera.

In the meantime, an additional nine charges were also brought against Chauke. They include seven counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, one count of murder and one count of housebreaking with the intent to steal. He will face trial on these counts in the Thohoyandou High Court, together with his co-accused, Victor Ndlovu (40) and Douglas Ndou (28).

On Monday, Chauke’s case was postponed until 4 and 5 February next year. He will remain in custody until then.