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.
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