Convict escapes custody 3 times, rearrested in Limpopo

A man who has managed to escape from custody three times in three provinces between 2020 and now, has been recaptured for the fourth time.

Muyambo Zacharia Thabo (53) escaped prison in Pretoria in 2020 where he was serving jail time for rape, kidnapping and robbery. He has also been connected with a case of rhino poaching in North West and possession of an unlicensed firearm case in KZN. In both cases, he escaped custody.

Thabo’s most recent arrest together with Simon Mlambo (37) were made by the Limpopo Endangered Species Unit on March 14, after they acted on a tip-off.

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the unit received information about a suspicious white VW Tiguan spotted near rhino farms in the Naboomspruit area.

The vehicle with Thabo and Mlambo inside, was located on the R101 in Modimolle at around 09:00 and a hunting rifle and 10 rounds of ammunition were found. Thabo identified himself as Thomas Chauke, but police soon found out his real identity and his alleged connection with several other crimes.

Before his most recent arrest, Thabo managed to evade captivity three times:

• December 9, 2020: He escapes from Kgosi Mampuru Prison in Gauteng where he was serving time for rape, kidnapping and robbery.
• October 2021: He is arrested in Nietverdiend, North West for his alleged involvement in rhino poaching but manages to escape while being transported to court.
• May 2023: He is arrested in Melmoth, KwaZulu-Natal for the possession of an unlicensed firearm. He manages to escape during his first court appearance.
• March 14: He is arrested in Modimolle, Limpopo on a charge of possessing an unlicenced gun and is currently in custody.

Thabo and Mlambo will appear in the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Ledwaba said that Thabo will also face multiple other charges in other courts as the legal process continues.