SKUKUZA REPEAT OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR RHINO POACHING-RELATED OFFENCES 

12 December 2025 

SKUKUZA REPEAT OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR RHINO POACHING-RELATED OFFENCES 

Skukuza, Mpumalanga – The Skukuza Regional Court has sentenced Mozambican national, Faro Zitha (31), to 10 years’ direct imprisonment for rhino poaching-related offences. Zitha pleaded guilty and was convicted on multiple counts, including contravention of the Immigration Act, trespassing, possession of a firearm to commit a crime, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, possession of ammunition, possession of a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy to commit an offence. 

The incident occurred on 14 June 2025 when field rangers were patrolling the Houtboschrand section of the Kruger National Park. They encountered Zitha and his unknown accomplices, who had a hunting rifle and an axe. Zitha was arrested while his accomplices managed to flee. In court, the State successfully opposed bail. The case proceeded to trial, during which Zitha pleaded guilty to all seven counts and was subsequently convicted. 

During aggravation of sentence, the State emphasised that Zitha is a repeat offender, with a previous conviction for trespassing in the Kruger National Park, for which he was sentenced to three years’ direct imprisonment. The court imposed the following sentences:2 years’ imprisonment for trespassing,1 year for contravention of the Immigration Act,4 years for possession of a firearm to commit an offence,8 years for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number,2 years for possession of ammunition,4 years for conspiracy to commit an offence, and 1 year for possession of a dangerous weapon. The court ordered some of the sentences to run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 10 years’ direct imprisonment. Zitha was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the swift finalisation of this matter and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring accountability and protecting Africa’s precious wildlife for future generations. Ends 

Monica Nyuswa 

NPA Regional Spokesperson 

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions – Mpumalanga 

Tel: 013 045 0625 / 076 485 5446 

Email: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za