The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the sentencing of Bellarmine Mugabe, son of late Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, and his cousin and co-accused Tobias Matonhodze, following their conviction in the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court, saying the outcome reaffirms the State’s commitment to the rule of law and accountability for violent crime.
The case relates to an incident on 19 February 2026 at Mugabe’s residence in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, where an altercation between the accused and a security guard, Sipho Mahlangu, escalated into violence.
Shot in the back
According to evidence led in court, the complainant was assaulted and later shot in the back while attempting to flee.
He collapsed outside the property and was subsequently discovered by a neighbouring security guard, who alerted authorities.
Both accused entered guilty pleas on 17 April 2026.
Bellarmine Mugabe, 28, admitted to contravening the Immigration Act and also pleaded guilty to a separate charge of pointing a firearm in an unrelated incident in Hyde Park.
Matonhodze, 33, pleaded guilty to attempted murder. Forensic evidence presented before the court confirmed the presence of gunshot residue on his hands.
Disregard for South African law
During aggravation of sentence, the State argued that both accused had shown a disregard for South African law, including unlawful presence in the country and involvement in a serious violent offence.
Prosecutors further highlighted the severity of the attack and its impact on the victim.
Magistrate Renier Boshoff agreed with the State’s submissions and imposed direct custodial sentences.
Bellarmine Mugabe was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment or a R400 000 fine for pointing a firearm, and a further 18 months’ imprisonment or a R200 000 fine for contravening the Immigration Act.
He will be escorted to OR Tambo International Airport by the investigating officer, where he is to arrange his return to Zimbabwe.
Matonhodze received an effective three-year direct prison sentence – to be served in South Africa – for attempted murder.
Sends strong message
In response to the judgment, the NPA said the sentences send a strong message that violent criminal conduct, particularly when combined with breaches of immigration laws, will not be tolerated.
It added that the ruling underscores the principle that no individual is above the law and that the justice system will act decisively to uphold public safety and accountability.
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