The 31-year-old Brighton Chauke, who was one of the Soutpansberg’s most wanted criminals for almost a year,  appeared in the Louis Trichardt Regional Court again on Monday.

He has been charged with several violent crimes in the area after his daring escape from police custody in Musina in October 2010. At the time of his escape, Chauke was awaiting trial in a murder case in Musina, together with his brother, Shorty Chauke. Shorty (42) has since been sentenced to 45 years' imprisonment.

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 a spate of 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 have been 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 stand trial on these charges 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 22 April. He will remain in custody until then.