A Mozambican repeat offender has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to several rhino poaching-related offences in the Kruger National Park.

A 31-year-old man, Faro Zitha, was handed the sentence by the Skukuza Regional Court following his arrest in June this year. Field rangers patrolling the Houtboschrand section of the park encountered Zitha and a group of accomplices carrying a hunting rifle and an axe. While the others escaped, Zitha was apprehended and later denied bail.

He faced seven charges, including trespassing, immigration violations, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, possession of ammunition, possession of a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy to commit an offence. He pleaded guilty to all counts and was convicted accordingly.

Zitha faced the following sentences for each of the seven charges:

• Trespassing: 2 years’ imprisonment
• Contravention of the Immigration Act: 1 year
• Possession of a firearm to commit an offence: 4 years
• Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number: 8 years
• Possession of ammunition: 2 years
• Conspiracy to commit an offence: 4 years
• Possession of a dangerous weapon: 1 year

Although these sentences amount to a combined total of 22 years, the court ordered some of them to run concurrently, leaving Zitha with an effective 10-year direct imprisonment sentence.

During sentencing, the State highlighted that Zitha is a repeat offender with a previous conviction for trespassing in the Kruger National Park, for which he served three years. The court imposed several sentences ranging from one to eight years, some of which will run concurrently, resulting in an effective 10-year term. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the outcome, saying the conviction demonstrates its continued commitment to holding poachers accountable and protecting South Africa’s wildlife heritage.