- Conviction and sentencing of a Mozambican national for rhino poaching-related offences committed inside the Kruger National Park.
- The State’s reliance on the accused’s prior conviction for trespassing in the park during aggravation of the sentence.
- An effective sentence of 10 years’ direct imprisonment, with several counts ordered to run concurrently and a declaration of unfitness to possess a firearm.
A 31-year-old Mozambican national has been sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment by the Skukuza Regional Court on Friday, December 2025.
Faro Zitha was convicted after being found guilty of rhino poaching-related offences and 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.
According to Monica Nyuswa, Mpumalanga spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, the incident occurred on June 14, 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,” Nyuswa said.
Trial and sentencing
The State opposed Zitha’s bail application in court. The case proceeded to trial, during which Zitha pleaded guilty to all seven counts and was subsequently convicted.
Nyuswa said that 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 sentences for trespassing, contravention of the Immigration Act, possession of a firearm to commit an offence, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, possession of ammunition, conspiracy to commit an offence, and possession of a dangerous weapon. Some of these sentences were ordered to run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 10 years’ direct imprisonment.
Zitha was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
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