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Chatunga, cousin face D-Day
24 Apr 2026 at 10:36hrs |
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The plea bargain involving Bellarmine Chatunga, son of late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, and his cousin Tobias Tamirepi Matonhodze is set for finalisation at the Alexandra Regional Court in Johannesburg, with sentencing and conviction outcomes expected to be confirmed.
The matter, which stems from a February 19 shooting incident in Sandton, has been delayed over unresolved issues, including the recovery of the firearm allegedly used in the attack and verification of compensation paid to the victim.
The case involves Sipho Mahlangu, who was reportedly shot and seriously injured at a residence in Sandhurst. According to information presented in court, he was allegedly shot while fleeing the scene.
Sources linked to the matter claim Mahlangu received R1 million in compensation days after the incident, which has been placed before the court as part of mitigation in the plea agreement.
The accused entered into a plea and sentence agreement under Section 112 of South African criminal procedure law.
Chatunga (29) pleaded guilty to pointing a firearm and immigration violations, while avoiding an attempted murder charge. Matonhodze (32) pleaded guilty to attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, defeating the ends of justice, and immigration offences.
Both remain in custody as the court considers whether to confirm sentencing terms, which may include fines, suspended sentences, or deportation.
A major unresolved issue is the missing firearm allegedly used in the shooting. Police have testified that the weapon has not been recovered, and investigators say the accused have not assisted in locating it.
Authorities have warned that recovery of the weapon could introduce further forensic implications depending on its use in other potential crimes.
The defence has argued in mitigation that both accused are first-time offenders, have shown remorse, and have made financial restitution to the victim.
However, prosecutors have raised concerns that the plea arrangement may be viewed as too lenient given the seriousness of attempted murder charges, which in South Africa can carry lengthy custodial sentences.
The court accepted the guilty pleas earlier in April but postponed final sentencing to allow for completion of outstanding issues. Both accused remain in custody awaiting judgment.
The matter, which stems from a February 19 shooting incident in Sandton, has been delayed over unresolved issues, including the recovery of the firearm allegedly used in the attack and verification of compensation paid to the victim.
The case involves Sipho Mahlangu, who was reportedly shot and seriously injured at a residence in Sandhurst. According to information presented in court, he was allegedly shot while fleeing the scene.
Sources linked to the matter claim Mahlangu received R1 million in compensation days after the incident, which has been placed before the court as part of mitigation in the plea agreement.
The accused entered into a plea and sentence agreement under Section 112 of South African criminal procedure law.
Chatunga (29) pleaded guilty to pointing a firearm and immigration violations, while avoiding an attempted murder charge. Matonhodze (32) pleaded guilty to attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, defeating the ends of justice, and immigration offences.
Both remain in custody as the court considers whether to confirm sentencing terms, which may include fines, suspended sentences, or deportation.
A major unresolved issue is the missing firearm allegedly used in the shooting. Police have testified that the weapon has not been recovered, and investigators say the accused have not assisted in locating it.
Authorities have warned that recovery of the weapon could introduce further forensic implications depending on its use in other potential crimes.
The defence has argued in mitigation that both accused are first-time offenders, have shown remorse, and have made financial restitution to the victim.
However, prosecutors have raised concerns that the plea arrangement may be viewed as too lenient given the seriousness of attempted murder charges, which in South Africa can carry lengthy custodial sentences.
The court accepted the guilty pleas earlier in April but postponed final sentencing to allow for completion of outstanding issues. Both accused remain in custody awaiting judgment.
Source - online
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