Mozambican sentenced again in Skukuza for similar offences
A foreign national was sentenced yesterday by the Skukuza Regional Court on rhino poaching charges.
A Mozambican national, Faro Zitha (31), was sentenced by the Skukuza Regional Court to 10 years’ direct imprisonment for rhino poaching-related offences yesterday, December 11.
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Zitha 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.
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On June 14, field rangers were patrolling the Houtboschrand section of the Kruger National Park (KNP) when they encountered Zitha and a number of unknown accomplices. They were in possession of a hunting rifle and an axe. Zitha was arrested but his accomplices managed to flee.
In court, the state successfully opposed bail and the case proceeded to trial, during which Zitha pleaded guilty to all seven counts and was subsequently convicted. In aggravation of sentence, the state emphasised that Zitha is a repeat offender, with a previous conviction for trespassing in the KNP, for which he was sentenced to three years’ direct imprisonment.
Zitha was sentenced to:
• Two years 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
• 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 also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
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The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the swift finalisation of this matter and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability and protecting Africa’s precious wildlife for future generations.
