Bellarmine Mugabe, the youngest son of Zimbabwe's late former leader Robert Mugabe, has pleaded guilty to pointing a firearm and illegally residing in South Africa. His guilty plea comes following an incident in February where he was arrested for allegedly shooting a 23-year-old man at his home in Johannesburg. The 28-year-old has been held in custody alongside co-accused Tobias Matonhodze. In court, lawyers for both men indicated they were ready to return to Zimbabwe at their own expense if a custodial sentence was not imposed.
Matonhodze, who is 33 years old, also pleaded guilty to several charges including attempted murder, while Mugabe confirmed his understanding of the charges after reaching an agreement with prosecutors. The charge of attempted murder against Mugabe has not been detailed following the plea. Both men, arrested after police responded to an incident at Hyde Park, Johannesburg, face potential sentencing on April 24. The case has been marked by multiple delays, including postponed bail hearings.
Prosecutors highlighted that the shooting incident arose from a dispute within the property, resulting in the victim being shot twice in the back while attempting to escape. Despite a search of the house, authorities have yet to locate the firearm used in the incident. This incident represents another legal challenge for Mugabe, who has faced troubles with the law prior to this incident, including arrests for assaults in Zimbabwe.
Matonhodze, who is 33 years old, also pleaded guilty to several charges including attempted murder, while Mugabe confirmed his understanding of the charges after reaching an agreement with prosecutors. The charge of attempted murder against Mugabe has not been detailed following the plea. Both men, arrested after police responded to an incident at Hyde Park, Johannesburg, face potential sentencing on April 24. The case has been marked by multiple delays, including postponed bail hearings.
Prosecutors highlighted that the shooting incident arose from a dispute within the property, resulting in the victim being shot twice in the back while attempting to escape. Despite a search of the house, authorities have yet to locate the firearm used in the incident. This incident represents another legal challenge for Mugabe, who has faced troubles with the law prior to this incident, including arrests for assaults in Zimbabwe.
