Mugabe’s son case: Victim paid R250,000 to keep quiet, court told

Mugabe

Johannesburg – The Alexandra Magistrates Court heard that the victim in the shooting case involving Bellarmine Mugabe and Tobias Matonhodze was allegedly paid R250,000, with a further R150,000 promised, to remain silent.

Investigating officer Colonel Raj informed the court that Mahlangu confirmed on Thursday that he had received payment.

“He was paid a sum of R250,000, and on the same day, a further R150,000 would be paid to him in cash.”

The case stems from the shooting of security guard Sipho Mahlangu, who was shot twice in the back at a Hyde Park residence, with both accused present during the incident.

Matonhodze pleaded guilty to several serious charges, including attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, contravening immigration laws, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Mugabe’s legal team asked the court for a non-custodial sentence, arguing that he accepted responsibility by pleading guilty.

However, prosecutors opposed this, saying both accused had not shown genuine remorse.

Raj told the court the firearm used in the shooting has not been recovered, and that the accused have not assisted police in locating it, urging the court to impose a harsh sentence.

The court is expected to deliver its ruling on April 29, when it will decide whether the pair will be jailed or receive a more lenient sentence.

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