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.

A groundbreaking initiative, U CAN GROW ZIMBABWE, is poised to revolutionise the nation’s agricultural landscape and economic future, moving beyond traditional farming to foster a new generation of successful agri-preneurs.

Spearheaded by Chairman Dr. David Munowenyu who is also the Chief Executive Officer for Discovery Ambulances, this visionary movement promises to transform lives and uplift communities across Zimbabwe.

Dr. Munowenyu said the profound scope of this endeavor is about building sustainable livelihoods.

“If you thought Discovery Ambulance Services was a game changer, then brace yourself for what U CAN GROW ZIMBABWE is about to become.

“This is not just another initiative it is a bold, visionary movement designed to transform lives, uplift communities and redefine the future of agriculture and economic empowerment,” said Dr Munowenyu.

He said the initiative is designed as a comprehensive value chain solution.

“U CAN GROW ZIMBABWE goes beyond farming. It is about building sustainable livelihoods, turning struggling farmers into successful agri-preneurs and creating a powerful ecosystem where innovation, technology, and opportunity meet.

From establishing agriculture hubs and seed banks to securing reliable markets for every product, this is a complete value chain solution that leaves no one and no place behind,” said Dr. Munowenyu.

He further indicated the far-reaching impact, saying it aims to achieve empowering communities.

“It strengthens food security, creating jobs, and contributing meaningfully to national development goals.

“This is about rewriting the narrative, proving that with the right support, structure and vision, anyone can grow, succeed, and thrive.”

Dr Munowenyu said the future of the country needs a morden drive and backed up with a sustainable financial system for all.

“The journey ahead is bold, the mission is clear and the impact will be undeniable. Watch closely because what’s coming is not just impressive… it is going to be truly mind-blowing.”

Dr. David Munowenyu, through his Discovery Ambulance Services, has a notable history of philanthropic contributions to Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector.

His efforts have included donating state-of-the-art ICU mobile ambulances and strengthening emergency medical response capabilities across the nation.

These initiatives have significantly improved healthcare access and outcomes for countless Zimbabweans, demonstrating a consistent commitment to community welfare and national development.

His work with Discovery Ambulance Services has been recognized for its systemic impact in reducing healthcare inequalities.

Zimbabwe’s domestic direct investments skyrocketed by 2.406 percent to USD 102.38 million in the first quarter of 2026, while total projected investment value jumped 62 percent compared to the previous quarter, signalling a decisive shift toward larger, more capital-intensive projects under the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency’s new facilitation drive.

“Domestic Direct Investments increased significantly, with contributions rising by 2 406 (from USD 4.08 million to USD 102.38 million) and there was a notable 62 percent increase in projected investment value compared to the previous quarter, driven by fewer but more capital-intensive projects,” said ZIDA Chief Executive Officer Mr Tafadzwa Chinamo, presenting the agency’s Quarter One Report.

“This reflects sustained investor confidence alongside increased use of leveraged financing.”

The capital structure of new investments saw capital equipment imports accounting for 46 percent of total investment, followed by foreign currency cash injections at 25 percent and foreign loans at 22 percent.

However, the agency recorded a sharp decline in overall investment licensing activity.

The number of new licences issued fell by 32.2 percent year-on-year, from 214 to 146, while total projected investment value decreased by 59.6 percent compared to the first quarter of 2025.

“As we reflect on the first quarter of 2026, I am pleased to report that ZIDA has made significant and measurable progress in strengthening the investment environment, despite a challenging global economic and geopolitical landscape.

“This progress has been driven by key policy developments, enhanced investor engagement and improvements in investment facilitation. The period also reflects a shift towards higher-value investments and more structured investment activity, while highlighting the need to strengthen conversion and execution going forward,” he said.

A major milestone during the period under review was Cabinet’s approval of the Public-Private Partnership Guideline, which provides a clear and standardised framework for the preparation, appraisal, and implementation of PPP projects.

“This is a significant development for Zimbabwe’s investment landscape, as it enhances transparency, improves coordination across Government, and strengthens investor confidence through clearer processes and risk allocation mechanisms,” Mr Chinamo said.

The guideline is expected to accelerate infrastructure delivery and create a more predictable environment for private sector participation.

The Agency continued advancing ease-of-doing-business reforms.

Significant fee reductions were enacted under the ZIDA General Investments (S.I. 17 of 2026) and Special Economic Zones (S.I. 18 of 2026) Regulations.

“This downward review of licensing fees is a deliberate intervention to reduce the cost of entry and enhance Zimbabwe’s competitiveness, reaffirming the country’s commitment to being a cost-competitive investment destination and signalling that Zimbabwe is open for business,” Mr Chinamo added.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, ZIDA launched the Business and Knowledge Process Outsourcing Framework.

Leveraging a youthful, English-speaking workforce with a 93.7 percent literacy rate, the premises-based model aims to position Zimbabwe as a premier outsourcing hub connecting European and Asian time zones, supported by targeted fiscal incentives.

The mixed performance, Mr Chinamo noted, indicates the need to boost conversion rates.

The agency continues to focus on higher-value investments while addressing the decline in overall licence issuance through ongoing policy reforms and investor facilitation improvements.