Mugabe's son pleads guilty to Hyde Park shooting and immigration breaches
via NewsDay Zimbabwe5 min read
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, son of former president Robert Mugabe, pleaded guilty on Friday to pointing a firearm and violating South Africa's immigration laws. The plea was entered in the Alexandra Magistrate's Court concerning a February 2026 incident at the family's Hyde Park residence in Johannesburg. His co-accused, Tobias Matonhodze, also pleaded guilty to charges including attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, illegal immigration, and unlawful possession of ammunition, related to the shooting of a 23-year-old gardener who was seriously injured. The case now moves to sentencing after weeks of plea negotiations. The shooting occurred at the Mugabe family property, and investigations revealed a missing firearm allegedly used in the incident. Both accused were found to be in South Africa without valid permits in March, leading to the withdrawal of their bail applications and accelerating plea discussions. Legal analysts suggest Matonhodze could face up to 15 years in prison, while Mugabe's immigration conviction could lead to deportation after any sentence. The court is expected to set a sentencing date soon.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
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