Bellarmine Mugabe Case: Investigating Officer Denies Role In Victim Compensation Amid Hyde Park Shooting Probe

The investigating officer in the case involving Bellarmine Mugabe has rejected claims that he played any part in facilitating compensation to a victim injured in a February shooting incident at a Hyde Park residence.

This follows submissions made in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court by legal representatives for Mugabe and his co-accused, Tobias Matonhodze. The defence told the court that payment had been made to the complainant with the knowledge of Colonel CJ Raj after the accused’s families approached the victim.

However, the officer has distanced himself from these assertions, stating he was not involved in any arrangement related to compensation.

Court Postpones Case As Firearm Investigation Continues

The matter was postponed on Friday to allow authorities more time to verify whether compensation was indeed paid to the victim. The delay will also enable further investigation into the whereabouts of the firearm allegedly used in the incident.

Both Mugabe and Matonhodze have entered guilty pleas to the charges brought against them.

Colonel Raj told the court that the weapon used in the shooting has not yet been recovered. He also addressed the conduct of the accused during the investigation.

“Based on the attempted murder, a firearm was used to commit this crime, we are still looking for this firearm. Both the accused were there when the firearm was fired and injured the victim, the accused show no remorse assisting the police in any way to point out where the firearm is.”

Mugabe Defence Pushes For Fine And Deportation Instead Of Jail

Meanwhile, defence lawyers argued that both men are prepared to leave South Africa voluntarily at their own cost, provided they avoid custodial sentences.

Mugabe admitted to being in the country illegally and to pointing what his defence claims was a toy gun. Matonhodze pleaded guilty to more serious charges, including attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, and illegal entry.

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Advocate Laurence Hodes urged the court to consider alternatives to imprisonment, suggesting a financial penalty could resolve the matter efficiently.

“Should this court be inclined to impose a fine albeit a hefty fine tour worship both accused are in a position to pay they have the money set aside and the arrangements could be made, the monies can be paid this weekend by Monday including the purchase tickets to Zimbabwe your worship,” said Hodes.

The case is expected to resume next week as investigations continue.