Bellarmine Mugabe, the youngest son of Zimbabwe’s late former president Robert Mugabe, has pleaded guilty to firearm-related offences in South Africa. He admitted to pointing a gun and staying in the country illegally.
He entered the guilty plea during a court appearance in Alexandra, Johannesburg. The hearing took place on Friday.
Authorities arrested Mugabe in February. The arrest followed a shooting incident at his home in the upscale Hyde Park area of Johannesburg.
Prosecutors linked the case to a violent altercation involving a 23-year-old man believed to be a security guard. The victim was critically injured during the incident.
Court documents state that the man was shot twice in the back. This happened as he tried to flee after a dispute inside the property.
Police later arrested Mugabe alongside Tobias Matonhodze. Both men have remained in custody since February.
Matonhodze, aged 33, also pleaded guilty. His charges include attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, illegal immigration, and possession of ammunition.
Mugabe, on his part, confirmed in court that he understood the charges. He then formally entered his guilty plea.
Mugabe’s lawyers have been exploring a possible plea arrangement. However, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has not confirmed any agreement.
The NPA also did not clarify the status of the attempted murder charge previously linked to Mugabe.
Both men remain in custody. Sentencing has now been postponed to April 24.
Lawyers for the accused told the court they could return to Zimbabwe at their own expense. This would depend on whether they receive custodial sentences.
Investigators are still searching for the firearm used in the shooting.
Previous Legal Troubles
This is not Mugabe’s first encounter with law enforcement.
In 2024, he was arrested in Zimbabwe for allegedly assaulting a police officer in Beitbridge. He was later released on bail.
A warrant for his arrest was issued after he reportedly failed to appear in court, according to Zimbabwe’s state media.
In 2025, he was again arrested over an alleged assault on a security guard at a mining site in Mazowe. That case is still ongoing.
Bellarmine Mugabe is one of two sons born to Robert Mugabe and his second wife, Grace Mugabe. The former Zimbabwean president ruled for 37 years before being removed from power in 2017.
