The courtroom drama involving Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, youngest son of the late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, and his co-accused Tobias Matonhodze, has taken a decisive turn.
Both men have pleaded guilty under a Section 112 plea deal with the State, bringing an unexpected close to the first phase of proceedings.
– Bellarmine Mugabe admitted guilt to pointing a firearm and contravening South Africa’s Immigration Act.
– Tobias Matonhodze pleaded guilty to a heavier slate of charges: attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, possession of a firearm, pointing of a firearm, and immigration violations.
The pair have been behind bars since March following an alleged shooting incident involving a man believed to be a gardener. The firearm used in the incident has yet to be recovered. Mugabe has also offered to plead guilty to illegal immigration charges and accept deportation, despite facing serious criminal charges.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that the plea bargain was nearly complete, with guilty pleas expected to result in reduced sentences compared to the maximum penalties they faced. This development marks a dramatic shift in the case, which initially carried the potential for lengthy prison terms. The plea deal suggests both accused are seeking to minimize sentencing exposure while avoiding a drawn-out trial.
The court is expected to announce sentencing details once the plea agreement is formally ratified.