Mugabe son's trial hit by gun, compensation dispute

The trial of Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and his co-accused Tobias Matonhodze has been thrown into turmoil amid a dispute over alleged victim compensation and a missing firearm.

Proceedings at the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on Friday turned tense when investigating officer Colonel CJ Raj denied facilitating any out-of-court settlement between the accused and the victim of a February shooting incident.

His testimony directly contradicted claims by the defence, which had told the court that compensation was paid with the officer's knowledge after the families of the accused approached the complainant.

Raj maintained that no such arrangement had been sanctioned and emphasized that authorities are still searching for the firearm allegedly used in the crime.

"Based on the attempted murder, a firearm was used to commit this crime—we are still looking for this firearm," he told the court, adding that the accused had "shown no remorse" by failing to assist investigators in locating the weapon.

The case stems from a shooting incident in February in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, where security guard Sipho Mahlangu was shot twice in the back at a private residence.

Both accused were found at the scene. While Matonhodze has pleaded guilty to attempted murder and defeating the ends of justice, Mugabe has admitted to being in South Africa illegally and to pointing what his defence describes as a "toy gun."

Defence lawyer Laurence Hodes argued for a financial penalty instead of custodial sentencing, suggesting both men are prepared to pay a "hefty fine" to resolve the matter and return to Zimbabwe.

"Should this court be inclined to impose a fine… both accused are in a position to pay," Hodes said, adding that payment could be made immediately, alongside arrangements for their departure.

However, co-defence lawyer Sinenhlanhla Mnguni dismissed suggestions that Matonhodze was shielding Mugabe by accepting more serious charges.

"The parties are at liberty to plead to the charges put to them… to suggest otherwise is to sensationalise the matter," she told the court.

The case has been postponed to allow further investigation into the missing firearm, a key piece of evidence that could significantly influence the outcome of the trial.