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16 November 2022

Poacher Convicted and Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison

South African National Parks (SANParks) today congratulated the Skukuza Regional Court for having sentenced a convicted poacher to an effective sentence of 17 years behind bars. 40-year-old Sylvester Zitha was arrested in October 2019 in the Kruger National Park (KNP) for poaching.

At the time of the arrest, Rangers heard shots being fired, followed a spoor of two poachers then gave chase in the Tshokwane Section of the KNP. They managed to spot the two suspects who were running and apprehended them. The two were found in possession of a high calibre hunting rifle fitted with a silencer, two rhino horns, an axe and ammunition. They were handed over to the Police for further investigations.

The suspects then applied for bail and the second accused Richard Phiri, absconded and is still being sought by the police. The trial went ahead on 15 November 2022 and Zitha was found guilty on six charges as follows:

  • Trespass in a National Park: two years
  • In possession of an illegal firearm with a silencer: five years
  • In possession of ammunition: two years
  • Killing of a rhino: ten years
  • Possession of an axe: one year
  • Conspiracy to commit a crime: 4 years

The Acting Managing Executive of the KNP, Dr Danny Govender congratulated all who were involved in the arrests which culminated in the sentencing “this should send a strong message to would-be criminals that poaching doesn’t pay and will result in you losing your freedom and spending a long time behind bars. To the Rangers, SAPS and the NPA, thank you for your contribution to ensure justice is served, and we hope this encourages you to work even harder in protecting our natural heritage.”

Issued By

South African National Parks – Kruger National Park

Media enquiries:
Isaac Phaahla
GM: Communications & Marketing, Kruger National Park
Tel: 013 735 4363, cell: 083 673 6974 or email: [email protected]