Bellarmine Mugabe pleaded guilty to multiple charges in SA

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and his cousin, Tobias Matonhodze, have pleaded guilty to multiple charges in a South African court, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn regional attention.

Mugabe admitted to pointing a firearm and being in the country illegally, while Matonhodze pleaded guilty to more serious charges including attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, illegal immigration and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The two have been in custody following a shooting incident in which a gardener, identified as Sipho Mahlangu, was injured.

Their lawyer, Laurence Hodes, appealed to the court for leniency, requesting suspended sentences for both accused. He argued that such penalties would serve as a sufficient warning, coupled with a monetary fine and compensation to the victim.

The court heard that both men have also indicated willingness to self-deport from South Africa.

The matter has been postponed to April 24 to allow time to verify whether Mahlangu has been compensated and to secure the accused's cooperation in locating the firearm used in the incident, which remains missing.

The case continues to attract attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused and the seriousness of the charges involved.