The attempted murder (shooting) case involving Bellarmine Mugabe, son of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, has taken a fresh turn after the investigating officer firmly denied any involvement in facilitating compensation to the shooting victim.
By Advent Shoko
The officer’s denial directly contradicts submissions made in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court by the defence team for Mugabe and his co-accused, Tobias Matonhodze, who claimed that a payment to the victim had been made with the knowledge of Colonel CJ Raj after family discussions with the complainant.
The matter stems from a February shooting incident at a residence in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, which has since escalated into a complex criminal case involving multiple serious charges.
Investigating officer distances himself from compensation claims
The investigating officer told the court he had no role in any alleged compensation arrangement between the accused and the victim.
His statement effectively challenges the defence narrative and adds another layer of dispute in a case already marked by contested facts and legal arguments.
Colonel Raj, however, maintained a hard stance on the matter, stating that the accused have not shown remorse and are not assisting police efforts, particularly in locating the firearm used in the incident. He said:
“We are still looking for this firearm.”
He added that both accused were present when the victim was shot and have not cooperated in pointing out its whereabouts.
Guilty pleas, missing firearm, and legal tension
Both Bellarmine Mugabe and his co-accused have pleaded guilty to charges linked to the incident. These include attempted murder and other related offences.
Authorities continue to search for the firearm allegedly used, which has not yet been recovered, an issue that remains central to the prosecution’s case.
Mugabe has also admitted to being in South Africa illegally and acknowledged pointing a firearm, though his legal team argues it was a toy gun.
Matonhodze has pleaded guilty to more serious charges, including attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, and illegal entry into the country.
Defence pushes for fines and return to Zimbabwe
In a notable legal submission, defence lawyers have urged the court to consider non-custodial options, including suspended sentences or fines, arguing that both accused are financially able to comply.
Advocate Laurence Hodes told the court that his clients are willing to return to Zimbabwe at their own expense if prison time is avoided.
He further suggested that settlement through fines and travel arrangements could bring “finality” to the matter without prolonged incarceration.
The court has since postponed the matter to next week to allow further investigation into the alleged compensation and to continue efforts to trace the missing firearm.
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