SA Prosecutors Push for Jail Time for Bellarmine Mugabe

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Prosecutors in South Africa have called for a custodial sentence for Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, son of the late former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, as sentencing was postponed to April 29.

The State is requesting a total of two years in prison for Mugabe 12 months for unlawfully pointing a firearm and another 12 months for violating immigration laws.

His co-accused, Tobias Matonhodze, faces significantly heavier penalties after admitting to more serious offences.

Prosecutors are seeking five years for attempted murder, 12 years for illegal possession of a firearm, another 12 years for obstructing justice, a fine for unlawful possession of ammunition, and an additional 12 months for immigration-related violations.

If granted, the combined sentences for the firearm and obstruction charges alone could amount to 24 years behind bars for Matonhodze.

Mugabe admitted to being in South Africa illegally and to pointing a firearm in an earlier, unrelated incident that occurred shortly before the shooting of his security guard, Sipho Mahlangu, at his Hyde Park residence on February 19.

The investigating officer told the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court that Mahlangu has so far received R250,000 in compensation, with an additional R150,000 still unpaid.

The officer urged the court to impose a strict sentence, highlighting that neither accused has revealed the location of the firearm used in the shooting, which remains missing.

“Both accused have not shown remorse,” the officer said, adding that their failure to produce the weapon reflects a lack of cooperation.

However, the defence argued for leniency, suggesting that other individuals present at the property could have removed the firearm. They also pointed to the partial compensation paid as a sign of responsibility, though prosecutors noted the full amount has yet to be settled.

The case has been adjourned to April 29, when sentencing is expected.