Matonhodze did not take the fall for him

Lawyer Sinenhlanhla Mnguni has dismissed claims that Tobias Matonhodze pleaded guilty in order to shield Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe from a custodial sentence.

Chatunga, son of the late former president Robert Mugabe, was deported from South Africa after being convicted of pointing a toy gun and violating immigration laws.

He was fined R400,000 for the firearm-related offence and R200,000 for immigration violations, and also paid nearly R400,000 in compensation to the complainant, identified as Siphon Mahlangu.

The case had sparked speculation after Matonhodze, a co-accused and cousin to Chatunga, pleaded guilty to more serious charges, including attempted murder, and received a three-year prison sentence.

However, Mnguni rejected suggestions that Matonhodze had taken the blame to protect Chatunga.

"That is speculative at best and it cannot be said that anyone took the fall for anyone," he said.

"Both accused, when they pleaded guilty did so knowing what the charges against them were. They pleaded accordingly."

Mnguni added that public perception had influenced the narrative around the case.

"Because of the optics and spectacle around it, there is a person the court of public opinion wanted to take the blame and responsibility for this entire ordeal," he said.

Chatunga had initially faced allegations of shooting his 23-year-old gardener at his Hyde Park residence, charges he denied. The court ultimately handed him a non-custodial sentence, which his lawyer described as fair.

The case has drawn widespread attention, not only due to the high-profile individuals involved but also because of past controversies linked to the Mugabe family, including incidents involving Grace Mugabe, who was not present during the court proceedings.