Mugabe’s son pleads guilty as missing firearm, compensation stall case

The son of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and his co-accused have pleaded guilty to multiple charges linked to a February shooting incident in Johannesburg.

Bellarmine Mugabe and Tobias Mugabe Matonhdze appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Friday, following their arrest earlier this year. While both men entered guilty pleas, key questions remain unresolved, including the whereabouts of the firearm allegedly used in the shooting and whether the victim has been compensated.

The case, which had previously been postponed for further investigations and plea negotiations, has now been postponed again to April 24 for clarity on these outstanding issues.

– Guilty Pleas Entered After Failed Negotiations –

The court heard that attempts to secure a plea and sentence agreement under Section 105A between the State and the defence collapsed, prompting both accused to proceed under Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

Under this process, Bellarmine Mugabe pleaded guilty to pointing a firearm and contravening the Immigration Act.

Matonhdze admitted to more serious charges, including attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, possession of an unlicensed firearm, illegal handling of ammunition, and immigration violations. The court heard that he shot the victim, Sipho Mahlangu, twice in the back before later concealing the firearm used in the incident.

Both accused confirmedthey understood the charges against them before entering their pleas.

– Defence pushes for leniency –

In mitigation, senior defence counsel Laurence Hodes argued that both men are first-time offenders who have shown remorse and taken responsibility for their actions.

Hodes told the court that Mugabe had used what was described as a toy or imitation firearm, adding that no physical injuries resulted from that count.

He further submitted that Matonhdze has already spent over three months in custody awaiting the finalisation of the case.

The defence also said compensation had been made to the victim and that both accused are willing to cover costs related to deportation and any fines imposed.

– Unanswered questions delay proceedings –

Despite the guilty pleas, the matter remains unresolved.

Outside court, defence lawyer Sinenhlanhla Mnguni said the case was postponed to determine whether Sipho Mahlangu has in fact been compensated, and to establish the whereabouts of the firearm used in the shooting.

Mnguni said the issue of the missing firearm was raised late in proceedings and still requires consultation with his clients.

He added that both accused pleaded freely and voluntarily after proper legal consultation, dismissing suggestions that one accused was taking the fall for more serious charges as “sensationalism.”

Mnguni declined to comment on the alleged compensation paid to the victim, saying he was not at liberty to disclose that information.

– Next court date –

The State is expected to respond to the defence’s submissions before the court proceeds to judgment and sentencing.

The matter will return to the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on April 24, where clarity is expected on the missing firearm and the status of victim compensation, two factors that could influence sentencing.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe