Mugabe’s son pleads guilty to gun charge

Bellarmine Mugabe, the son of late former Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe, has pleaded guilty to firearm and immigration-related offences in a South African court, in a case that continues to unfold with unexpected twists.

Appearing before the Alexandra Regional Court, Mugabe admitted to pointing a firearm and breaching immigration laws.

However, he stopped short of taking responsibility for the more serious charges tied to the alleged shooting incident that led to his arrest.

In contrast, his co-accused, Tobias Matonhodze, entered a guilty plea on multiple counts, including attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, defeating the ends of justice, and immigration violations.

Buzz Life reports that the two accused have entered into a Section 112 plea agreement with the State, marking a shift in proceedings after earlier negotiations reportedly fell apart.

The charges relate to a shooting involving a man identified as Sipho Mahlangu, believed to be a gardener. Both men have remained in custody since their arrest.

During proceedings, defence advocate Laurence Hodes appealed for leniency on Mugabe’s behalf, arguing that his client is willing to pay a fine and even fund his own deportation to Zimbabwe.

He proposed a non-custodial sentence, suggesting options such as a suspended sentence and compensation to the victim.

The State, however, pushed back, raising concerns about the seriousness of the matter.

The investigating officer revealed that the firearm allegedly used in the attempted murder has not yet been recovered, adding that the accused have not assisted authorities in locating it.

In another unexpected development, the firearm charge Mugabe pleaded guilty to is reportedly linked to a separate incident, not the widely reported Hyde Park shooting.

The matter has been postponed to 24 April as the court awaits further clarity on compensation to the victim and the whereabouts of the missing weapon.