Mugabe’s Son Bellarmine Pleads Guilty In Hyde Park Shooting Case

Bellarmine Mugabe, the youngest son of Zimbabwe’s late former president Robert Mugabe, has pleaded guilty to pointing a firearm and residing illegally in South Africa.

The 28-year-old entered his pleas in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Friday, following his arrest in February linked to a shooting incident at his Johannesburg residence.

Details of Hyde Park Shooting and Arrest

Mugabe was taken into custody alongside co-accused Tobias Matonhodze after a 23-year-old man was shot at his home in Hyde Park.

The victim, believed to be a security guard, was rushed to hospital in critical condition after sustaining gunshot wounds. Prosecutors previously told the court that the incident followed an altercation inside the property, with the victim allegedly shot twice in the back while attempting to escape.

Police were called to the scene on 19 February, but authorities have yet to recover the firearm used in the shooting.

Mugabe Cousin Faces Multiple Charges as Deportation Option Raised

Matonhodze, 33, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, illegal immigration, and possession of ammunition.

Mugabe, who had also initially faced an attempted murder charge, only addressed the court to confirm his understanding of the charges and to formally enter his pleas after reaching an agreement with prosecutors. The National Prosecuting Authority has not clarified the status of the attempted murder charge against him.

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Lawyers representing both men indicated that their clients would be willing to return to Zimbabwe at their own cost should the court opt against imposing a custodial sentence.

Sentencing has been postponed to 24 April.

Past Legal Troubles and Family Background

This is not Mugabe’s first run-in with the law. In 2024, he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe. Although he was granted bail, a warrant was later issued after he failed to appear in court.

In June the following year, he was arrested again for allegedly assaulting a security guard at a mining site in Mazowe. That matter is still ongoing.

Bellarmine Mugabe is one of two sons shared by Robert Mugabe and his second wife, Grace. The late Zimbabwean leader ruled for 37 years before being removed from power during the 2017 military intervention. He died in 2019.