Mugabe’s Son Bellarmine Admits Guilt in Hyde Park Shooting Case

Bellarmine Mugabe, the youngest son of Zimbabwe’s late former president Robert Mugabe, has admitted guilt to charges of pointing a firearm and living unlawfully in South Africa.

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

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Details Regarding the Hyde Park Shooting and Arrest

Mugabe was detained alongside co-accused Tobias Matonhodze after a 23-year-old man sustained gunshot injuries at his Hyde Park home.

The victim, identified as a security guard, was taken to the hospital in critical condition after being shot. Prosecutors informed the court that the incident resulted from a dispute inside the house, with the victim reportedly shot twice in the back while trying to flee.

Police arrived at the location on February 19; however, the weapon used during the shooting has not yet been recovered by authorities.

Charges Against Mugabe’s Cousin and Potential Deportation

Matonhodze, 33, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, obstructing justice, illegal immigration, and gun possession.

Mugabe initially faced a charge of attempted murder but only addressed the court to acknowledge the charges and formally submit his pleas after negotiating with prosecutors. The National Prosecuting Authority has yet to clarify the status of the attempted murder charge against him.

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Lawyers for both individuals indicated that their clients would consider returning to Zimbabwe at their own expense should the court decide against a custodial sentence.

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Sentencing has been deferred to April 24.

Mugabe’s Previous Legal Issues and Family Background

This is not Mugabe’s first altercation with the law. In 2024, he was apprehended for allegedly assaulting a police officer in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe. Although he was granted bail, a warrant for his arrest was issued when he failed to show up in court.

In June the following year, he faced arrest again for allegedly assaulting a security guard at a mining facility in Mazowe. That case remains unresolved.

Bellarmine Mugabe is one of two sons born to Robert Mugabe and his second wife, Grace. The former Zimbabwean leader ruled for 37 years before being ousted during the 2017 military intervention, passing away in 2019.

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