NPA cracks down on rhino poaching offenders

The Skukuza Regional Court has handed down significant prison sentences to two poachers involved in rhino poaching-related offences, reinforcing the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) commitment to holding offenders accountable and protecting South Africa’s endangered wildlife.

On Friday, Mozambican national Faro Zitha, 31, was sentenced to ten years’ direct imprisonment after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including contravening 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 arrest followed an incident on 14 June 2025, when rangers patrolling the Houtboschrand section of Kruger National Park encountered Zitha and his accomplices carrying a hunting rifle and an axe. While Zitha was apprehended, his accomplices managed to flee. The court denied him bail, and he subsequently pleaded guilty to all seven counts during the trial.

During the aggravation of sentence, the State highlighted that Zitha is a repeat offender, having previously been convicted of trespassing in Kruger National Park and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. The court imposed varying sentences for each count, including two years for trespassing, one year for contravening 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, and one year for possession of a dangerous weapon. Some sentences were ordered to run concurrently, resulting in an effective term of ten years. Zitha was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

In a separate case, 28-year-old Bethuel Baloyi was sentenced on 11 December 2025 to sixteen years’ imprisonment for a series of poaching offences committed in 2020. Baloyi was convicted on multiple counts, including trespassing, killing two rhinos, possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, possession of a firearm to commit an offence, possession of live ammunition, conspiracy to commit an offence, and possession of a dangerous weapon.

The offences occurred on 28 March 2020, when rangers patrolling the Pretoriuskop Section of Kruger National Park encountered Baloyi, his co-accused Million Masilane, and Mozambican national Andries Baloyi carrying rifles and other weapons. During the attempted arrest, Andries Baloyi pointed a firearm at rangers, who returned fire, resulting in his death. Subsequent searches revealed two rhino carcasses. Baloyi initially pleaded not guilty, but forensic evidence, including bloodstains on his clothing matching rhino DNA, supported the prosecution’s case.

Sentences imposed included two years for trespassing, ten years for killing two rhinos, five years for possession of a firearm, six years for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, five years for possession of a firearm to commit a crime, two years for possession of live ammunition, four years for conspiracy, and one year for possession of a dangerous weapon. Some sentences were ordered to run concurrently, resulting in a total effective sentence of sixteen years, with Baloyi also declared unfit to possess firearms.

Monica Nyuswa, NPA Regional Spokesperson

in Mpumalanga, said they welcomed the sentences, noting the significance of these convictions in the fight against wildlife crime. “These cases send a clear message that rhino poaching and related offences will be met with the full force of the law,” Nyuswa said. “The NPA remains committed to ensuring accountability and safeguarding South Africa’s natural heritage for future generations. Poaching continues to pose a grave threat to our biodiversity, and we will not allow perpetrators to act with impunity.”

The NPA reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with law enforcement agencies and park authorities to combat poaching and dismantle criminal syndicates involved in wildlife crimes. These convictions underscore the role of coordinated efforts in ensuring that repeat offenders face justice and that South Africa’s endangered species are protected.

Both cases demonstrate the NPA’s determination to uphold the rule of law and protect the country’s ecological wealth. Prosecutors, park rangers, and forensic experts worked closely to secure the convictions, illustrating the importance of intelligence-led investigations and persistent vigilance against wildlife crime.