Mozambican man sentenced for brutal Owl attack in Sea Point
38-year-old Gustigu Mthini was convicted for the brutal attack on a protected Spotted Eagle Owl in Sea Point.
Image: SPCA
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of 38-year-old Mozambican national Gustigu Mthini, found guilty on four charges following a violent attack on a protected Spotted Eagle Owl along the Sea Point Promenade, Cape Town, earlier this year.
The shocking incident took place on February 16, 2025, when Mthini was seen violently beating the owl with a stick in full view of horrified onlookers.
The act, which was captured on video, triggered public outrage and prompted a determined investigation led by the SPCA’s Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse. The owl later succumbed to its injuries, with a postmortem revealing multiple fractures throughout its body.
“This is a victory for the animals we serve and protect, animal cruelty has no place in our society. We all have a moral and legal duty to protect our wild animals, and report acts of cruelty wherever they occur. This outcome sends a strong message that those who harm animals will be held accountable,” Chief Inspector Pieterse said.
After initially evading arrest, Mr Mthini was tracked down by Chief Inspector Pieterse and the Sea Point CID and arrested on February 22, 2025. He remained in custody for seven months until the conclusion of his trial.
In September 2025, he was found guilty on all charges, which included animal cruelty under the Animals Protection Act, illegal killing of a protected species under the Nature Conservation Ordinance, and contravention of immigration laws.
The court imposed fines and suspended prison terms for most charges, while ordering that Mr Mthini serve one month in prison for his immigration violation before being deported to Mozambique. Count 4, relating to a City of Cape Town Coastal By Law, was withdrawn by the State.
The SPCA extended its gratitude to the Sea Point CID and Chairperson Mr Jacques Weber for their steadfast assistance throughout the investigation and arrest, underscoring the collaborative effort required to bring offenders to justice.
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