“You put yourself at the mercy of this court by pleading guilty,” said Magistrate Renier Boshoff as he sentenced Bellarmine Mugabe. The son of the late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe now faces immediate deportation from South Africa after pleading guilty to lesser charges stemming from a shooting incident.
Mugabe, 29, admitted to brandishing an object that resembled a firearm and acknowledged he was in South Africa illegally. The shooting took place at his Hyde Park residence in February, where he shot an employee named Sipho Mahlangu.
The court imposed a fine of R600,000, which included R400,000 for the firearm charge and R200,000 for illegal entry. His cousin, Tobias Matonhodze, received a three-year prison sentence for attempted murder and related charges.
Mugabe’s legal troubles have not only been costly but also complicated. His case has racked up expenses nearing R1 million, excluding travel and legal fees. Despite these challenges, both Mugabe and Matonhodze managed to compensate Mahlangu with an initial payment of R250,000, with another R150,000 due later.
The magistrate noted that the victim was so satisfied with the compensation that he considered withdrawing the charges. However, the law took its course as Boshoff emphasized the importance of respect in such matters: “Both of you, hopefully, learned the meaning of the simple word, respect, during this incident.”
Mugabe was escorted directly to OR Tambo International Airport for his deportation. According to immigration lawyer Botsang Moiloa, “Mugabe would need to formally apply to the Home Affairs Director-General, who will decide whether he can enter or not.” This leaves his future uncertain as he navigates the complexities of his legal status.
The gun used in the incident remains unrecovered despite extensive police searches. As Bellarmine Mugabe leaves South Africa behind, questions linger about how this event will shape his life moving forward.
Kwame Ofori
Ama Serwah
Evelyn Mensah