Poacher sentenced for Rhino Hunting 

Thabazimbi – A poacher has been handed a lengthy prison sentence in the Thabazimbi Regional Court on Tuesday 12 August 2025, after being found guilty on multiple charges, including hunting a specially protected animal without a permit.

Peter Zacharia Chaya was arrested in April 2024 after an investigation led by Limpopo’s Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STES) uncovered his involvement in illegal hunting activities in the Hoopdal area. Although no rhino was killed during the incident, Chaya faced several serious charges:

• Count 1: Hunting a specially protected animal without a permit – 15 years’ imprisonment, with 7 years suspended for 5 years.
• Count 2: Possession of a firearm without a permit – 8 years’ imprisonment.
• Count 3: Possession of ammunition without a permit – 5 years’ imprisonment.
• Count 6: Being in South Africa illegally – 2 years’ imprisonment.

Counts 4 and 5 were withdrawn. The sentences will run concurrently with the sentence for Count 1. The court took into account that Chaya had already spent 15 months in custody before sentencing. 

Bosveld Misdaad Ondersoeke expressed satisfaction with the outcome, praising the teamwork that made the arrest and conviction possible.

Special thanks were extended to SAPS Hoopdal, Limpopo Provincial STES, SANParks, BMO, Welgevonden Reaction, WGR analysts, pilot Kahn, and local farmers who assisted during the operation – and investigating officer, warrant officer van Heerden, Limpopo Provincial STES.