Robert Mugabe’s Son, Bellarmine, Pleads Guilty To Firearm, Immigration Charges In South Africa

Bellarmine Mugabe, son of the late Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe, has pleaded guilty to charges of pointing a firearm and contravening South Africa’s Immigration Act.

His co-accused, Tobias Matonhodze, admitted guilt to a more extensive list of offences, including attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, possession of a firearm, pointing of a firearm, and immigration violations.

The development marks a significant turn in the case, as the pair entered into a Section 112 plea agreement with the State, effectively bringing an early and unexpected conclusion to the first phase of legal proceedings.

Both men have been in custody since their arrest in connection with an alleged shooting incident involving a man believed to be a gardener in the area.

Authorities had earlier indicated that the case stemmed from the incident, which drew attention due to the high-profile identity of one of the accused.

With the guilty pleas now entered, the matter is expected to proceed to sentencing or further legal determinations in line with the plea agreement.

In March, SaharaReporters reported that the criminal trial suffered a setback as proceedings were stalled by an unexpected power outage.

The Alexandra Magistrate’s Court was forced to postpone the matter to March 11, 2026, after the facility was plunged into darkness, rendering the courtroom unable to continue with the scheduled hearing.

The two are alleged to have shot and injured an employee at Mugabe’s Hyde Park residence in February 2026.

The two face charges of attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice and possession of a firearm.

In addition to the violent crime allegations, the prosecution revealed that the younger Mugabe is also being charged with breaching South Africa’s immigration laws.(SaharaReporters)