Wiktionary
n. (context South African English English) outlaws. Shiftas normally stayed in the lawless rural mountainous regions. Historically, they were known for robbing or killing those who were caught traveling between populated villages or cities, and also for stealing cattle and raiding small villages.
Wikipedia
Shifta ( Ge'ez: ሽፍታ, or "shufta") is term used in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Somalia for rebel, outlaw, or bandit. The word is derived from shúfto. Historically, shifta served as local militia in the lawless rural mountainous regions on the Horn of Africa. The word shifta can be translated as 'bandit' or 'outlaw', but can include anyone who rebels against an authority or an institution that is seen as illegitimate.
Usage examples of "shifta".
The man is a robber and a degenerate, and his men are all shifta, mountain bandits, but they fight well and every lance now arms us against the common enemy.
It was classical shifta tactics, the age old art of ambush, of hit and run, a few throats slit and a dozen rifles stolen but it slowed the retreat slowed it drastically while close behind them followed the Italian horde, and across their rear lay the mouth of the Sardi Gorge.
With mounted shiftas in advance, upon the flanks, and bringing up the rear there was no lagging and no chance to escape.