Man convicted and sentenced for attack on Protected Spotted Eagle-Owl thanks to joint efforts
CapeNature welcomes the successful conviction and sentencing of 38-year-old Mozambican national Gustigu Mthini, who was found guilty on four charges following a violent attack on a Protected Spotted Eagle-Owl along the Sea Point Promenade earlier this year.
The incident took place on February 16, 2025, when Mthini was seen beating the owl with a stick in full view of onlookers. In September 2025, he was convicted in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court.
The conviction is the product of a collaboration between the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, CapeNature, the SAPS Kuilsrivier Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, members of the public, the Sea Point CID, and the National Prosecuting Authority. CapeNature wishes to thank all the role players involved.
This conviction sends a strong message that the illegal and cruel treatment of our wildlife will not be tolerated. CapeNature remains committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that perpetrators of such offences are held accountable. Every animal has a role to play in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems.
Mthini was convicted on all four charges against him. These included the illegal hunting of a protected wild animal, illegal hunting by means of a prohibited hunting method, animal cruelty, and immigration violations. He was sentenced to a combined R12 000 - or 12-months imprisonment. Of this, R11 000 - or 11-months imprisonment was suspended for five years. The magistrate also declared him unfit to possess a firearm and ordered his deportation to Mozambique immediately after serving his prison sentence.
CapeNature assisted the Kuilsrivier Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and the National Prosecuting Authority and provided expert evidence in the criminal proceedings.
Members of the public are urged to report environmental crime involving wildlife via email to info@capenature.co.za or Law.enforcement@westerncape.gov.za or via the 24-hour toll-free incidents hotline at 0800 205 005.
Related News
Western Cape fire season shows record early intensity and significant increase in fire activity
The 2025–2026 summer fire season began with exceptional intensity for CapeNature – official statistics showed a sharp rise in fire ignitions, high temperatures, and a large expanse of burnt areas across the Western Cape. Historically, the fire season is considered to run from 1 October to 31 March. However, activity began as early as September 2025, well before the traditional high-risk period from November onwards.
Wildfires intensify as climate shifts, CapeNature warns in emergency podcast series
CapeNature has released a special series of its acclaimed Green Noise podcast, offering an urgent and deeply human perspective on South Africa’s recent wildfire season. The series has a particular focus on the devastating fires in the Cederberg Wilderness and changing weather patterns. The fire in the Cederberg Wilderness, which ignited on 22 December 2025 along Uitkyk Pass
Western Cape to benefit from CapeNature’s 2026 Greening Initiative
CapeNature is launching a fun and engaging greening competition for schools and communities across the Western Cape. The competition will start on 13 April 2026 to coincide with International Plant Appreciation Day and will run until 15 May 2026. The initiative aims to inspire learners and community members to actively participate in protecting the environment.
A follow up: The potential impacts of Red Swamp crayfish in Western Cape waters
Since first being found in the canal systems of lower Olifants River in 2022 by CapeNature officials, invasive Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) are being found further afield in the Western Cape at an alarming rate. This freshwater species is globally recognised as a seriously damaging invasive species.
Over 43 000 Cape Gannets on Lambert’s Bay Bird Island this breeding season
Bird Island is alive with the sounds and spectacle of seabirds, with an estimated over 43 000 Cape Gannets currently making the island their home this breeding season. The thriving colony reinforces Bird Island, Lambert’s Bay, as one of South Africa’s most important gannet breeding sites and highlights the impact of ongoing marine conservation work.
Water Week: Protecting Our Most Precious Resource
Water is fundamental to life and essential to our daily wellbeing. While this may seem widely understood, it remains important to continually remind ourselves of the value of this finite resource. Although approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, only about 2.5% of it is freshwater available to sustain ecosystems and human needs.