Mugabe’s son fined R600,000 and deported, co-accused jailed

The Alexandra Magistrate’s Court handed down judgment in the high-profile case involving, Bellarmine Mugabe, son of the late former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, and his co-accused Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze, following a shooting incident at their Hyde Park home in February.

Mugabe was fined a combined R600,000 for offences related to a firearm incident and immigration violations, while Matonhodze was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for multiple serious charges, including attempted murder.

The court previously heard that the victim, Sipho Mahlangu, had received financial compensation of up to R400,000 and had indicated a willingness to withdraw the case.

Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Magistrate Reiner Boshoff, found Mugabe guilty of pointing an object resembling a firearm and breaching immigration laws.

He imposed a fine of R400,000 or 24 months’ imprisonment, as well as an additional R200,000 or 18 months’ imprisonment.

Mugabe was declared unfit to possess a firearm and ordered to be deported. Authorities escorted him to the airport this afternoon, where he was deported after paying the fine.

In the same matter, Matonhodze was sentenced to three years in prison, 12-months for contravening the immigration act, 12-months for defeating the ends of justice and a further 12-months behind bars for possession of a firearm and ammunition. The court noted that his offences could have attracted a sentence of up to 15 years.

All of his sentences will run concurrently, and he is expected to be deported after serving his prison term.

Magistrate Boshoff said the accused’s guilty plea, time spent in custody, and demonstrated remorse were taken into account in mitigation.

However, the magistrate stressed that financial restitution does not diminish the seriousness of violent crime, particularly as the firearm used in the shooting has still not been recovered despite extensive police searches.

Following sentencing, defence lawyer, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, described the outcome as legally conclusive but sobering.

He said the sentence reflected a measure of mercy, despite the court’s criticism of the accused’s conduct, including references to arrogance and entitlement.

Mnguni added that both accused had shown remorse through their guilty pleas and cooperation with authorities.

Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has also reacted to the sentencing, saying it reflects the State’s commitment to ensuring accountability through effective prosecution.

NPA welcomes sentencing of Bellermine Chatunga Mugabe (28) and his co-accused, Tobias Tamirepi Matonhodze. pic.twitter.com/3pzLXPa3VL

— NPASouthAfrica (@NPA_Prosecutes) April 29, 2026

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe