Mugabe’s son and co-accused found guilty in Alexandra Court

The son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, Bellarmine Mugabe, has pleaded guilty to pointing a firearm and contravening South Africa’s Immigration Act.

His co-accused, Tobias Matonhodze, admitted guilt to more serious charges, including attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, illegal immigration, and possession of ammunition.

The pair appeared before the Alexandra Regional Court on Friday, where defence counsel Advocate Laurence Hodes SC presented mitigating arguments, urging the court to impose non-custodial sentences. He told the court that Mugabe is willing to pay a fine and has offered to cover the costs of his deportation to Zimbabwe.

Hodes also requested suspended sentences for both accused, arguing that a combination of financial penalties and compensation to the victim would serve as a sufficient deterrent.

However, the State opposed leniency, citing the gravity of the offences. Investigating officer Colonel Raj testified that Matonhodze is undocumented in South Africa and confirmed that an illegal firearm was used in the attempted murder.

The court also heard that both accused have shown little remorse, particularly by failing to disclose the whereabouts of the firearm used in the incident.

The case has been postponed to 24 April, when the court is expected to receive updates on whether the victim, Sipho Mahlangu, has been compensated, as well as further information regarding the missing firearm.