Bellarmine Mugabe, son of late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, and his co-accused Tobias Matonhodze are expected to be sentenced on Wednesday in the Alexandra Regional Court in Johannesburg.
The sentencing follows plea agreements entered earlier this month in connection with multiple charges stemming from violent incidents linked to the Mugabe residence in Hyde Park.
Pleaded guilty
Bellarmine Mugabe pleaded guilty to charges relating to illegal immigration and pointing a firearm.
According to the SABC, the firearm-related charge, however, pertains to a separate incident that reportedly occurred two weeks before the February shooting at his Johannesburg home.
Matonhodze pleaded guilty to more serious charges, including attempted murder, illegal immigration, defeating the ends of justice, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The charges stem from the February shooting of Sipho Mahlangu, an employee working at the Mugabe residence, who was wounded during the incident.
Strong sentence
During sentencing proceedings last week, the court heard that Mahlangu is to receive a total of R400 000 in compensation. He has already been paid R250 000, with an additional R150 000 still outstanding.
Investigating officer Craig Raj told the court that a strong sentence is warranted, particularly because neither accused has disclosed the whereabouts of the firearm used in the shooting.
Raj argued that the missing weapon remains a serious concern for law enforcement and justice officials, as it potentially hampers the full scope of the investigation.
Final ruling
Both accused have already spent several weeks in custody and now await the court’s final ruling, which is expected to determine both criminal penalties and broader legal consequences.
The case has drawn widespread public and media attention due to Bellarmine Mugabe’s high-profile family background and the serious nature of the charges.
Wednesday’s sentencing is expected to bring a significant development in one of the more closely watched criminal proceedings in Johannesburg this year.
