A Mozambican national, Faro Zitha, 31, who pleaded guilty to rhino poaching offences, has been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment by the Skukuza Regional Court after being caught with a hunting rifle and an axe at the Kruger National Park in June 2025. 

He was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for trespassing, one year for contravention of the Immigration Act, four years for possession of a firearm to commit an offence, eight years for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, two years for possession of ammunition, four years for conspiracy to commit an offence, and one 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 apprehended on June 14, 2025, after field rangers from the Kruger National Park were patrolling the Houtboschrand section, while he and his unknown accomplices were seen with an axe and a hunting rifle. His accomplices managed to flee. 

According to the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Mpumalanga spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, the State successfully opposed Zitha’s bail application, and he pleaded when the matter proceeded to trial.

“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,” Nyuswa added.

She said after Zitha was sentenced, he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. 

“The NPA welcomes the swift finalisation of this matter and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring accountability and protecting Africa’s precious wildlife for future generations,” she said. 

nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za

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