A court in South Africa has convicted Bellarmine Mugabe, the youngest son of Zimbabwe’s former president Robert Mugabe, on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and residing in the country illegally.
The 28-year-old was arrested in February 2026 following a shooting incident involving a 23-year-old man in Johannesburg. He was later released on bail after acknowledging the charges.
Bellarmine Mugabe appeared in court alongside Tobias Matonhodze, 33, at a court in Alexandra on Friday. Their legal representatives told the court that both men are willing to return to Zimbabwe at their own expense if given a non-custodial sentence.
Matonhodze faces additional charges, including attempted murder, illegal border crossing, and possession of a weapon.
According to reports, the two suspects were arrested in the Hyde Park area of Johannesburg. The case stems from a dispute between three individuals inside a residence, which escalated into gunfire.
The victim—believed to be a security guard—was shot twice in the back while trying to flee and was later rushed to hospital with injuries.
Authorities attempted to search Mugabe’s residence following the incident but did not recover the weapon.
Prosecutors dropped the attempted murder charge against Mugabe, though they did not provide detailed reasons in court.
The sentencing for both accused individuals has been scheduled for April 24, 2026.
KIGALI TIMES