Bellarmine Mugabe and his co-accused Tobias Matonhodze are expected to be sentenced in the Alexandra Regional Court on Friday morning following their guilty pleas in connection with a February shooting incident.
The case relates to the attempted murder of Sipho Mahlangu, who was employed at the Mugabe family residence in Hyde Park, Johannesburg.
Mahlangu was shot and wounded during the incident.
Guilty pleas entered
During their previous court appearance, Mugabe admitted to charges of pointing a firearm and contravening South Africa’s immigration laws.
Matonhodze, meanwhile, pleaded guilty to more serious charges, including attempted murder, illegal immigration, possession of ammunition and defeating the ends of justice.
Missing firearm remains key issue
The matter was postponed to allow the defence time to locate the firearm used in the shooting – a critical piece of evidence that has yet to be recovered.
The absence of the weapon could still play a role in sentencing proceedings, although both accused have already accepted responsibility through their guilty pleas.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to Mugabe’s profile as the son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe.
Sentencing expected
The court is expected to hear final submissions before handing down sentence, which will bring the matter closer to conclusion months after the shooting took place.
Further details on sentencing outcomes are expected following Friday’s proceedings.
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