Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe Pleads Guilty To Firearm Charge As Tobias Matonhodze Takes Blame For Attempted Murder
Court Update: Alexandra Regional Court • Date: April 17, 2026
A dramatic turn of events in the Johannesburg courts.
Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe has admitted to a firearm-related offence, while his co-accused, Tobias Matonhodze, has taken full responsibility for attempted murder in a case stemming from a violent February 2026 shooting incident.
The two appeared at the Alexandra Regional Court on Friday, 17 April 2026. The matter relates to a highly publicized shooting at a Hyde Park residence, where a gardener was severely injured.
Mugabe avoids the attempted murder charge by pleading to lesser firearm and immigration offences, while Matonhodze bears the brunt of the most severe charges.
Case Breakdown: The Charges
During the court proceedings covered by SABC News, Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe officially altered his plea. While initially facing a slew of heavier charges, his final admission focuses strictly on weapons and immigration violations.
Pointing a Firearm
Mugabe pleaded guilty specifically to the offence of pointing a firearm during the altercation. Notably, the firearm allegedly used during the incident has not been recovered by police, remaining a key point of contention in the case.
Immigration Violations & Deportation
In addition to the weapon charge, he admitted to contravening South Africa’s immigration laws. As part of his plea and the legal proceedings, he indicated a willingness to accept formal deportation from the country.
His co-accused, Tobias Matonhodze, entered a guilty plea that places the legal responsibility for the most serious crimes of the incident squarely on his shoulders.
Attempted Murder Admission
Matonhodze formally pleaded guilty to the attempted murder charge regarding the shooting of the gardener, effectively clearing Mugabe of direct responsibility for the victim's injuries.
Additional Criminal Charges
Alongside attempted murder, Matonhodze also pleaded guilty to defeating the ends of justice, possession of ammunition, and illegal immigration into South Africa.
The charges originate from a violent outbreak that occurred earlier this year in one of Johannesburg's most affluent suburbs.
High-Profile Scrutiny
In February 2026, an altercation at a Hyde Park residence culminated in a gardener being shot and injured. Both men were arrested shortly after. The case has drawn intense media attention and public scrutiny primarily due to Mugabe’s profile as the son of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.
What Happens Next?
"Both men have remained in police custody since their arrest in February."
Following the entry of these guilty pleas, the Alexandra Regional Court will now move towards sentencing. Legal experts anticipate that Mugabe's willingness to accept deportation will be factored into his final judgment, while Matonhodze faces a significantly harsher sentence for the attempted murder conviction.
Sona Solar Zimbabwe
Securing your future with clean energy. Explore our high-performance hybrid inverters, lithium batteries, and solar solutions designed for Zimbabwean homes and businesses.
Builders Guide Zimbabwe
Your ultimate resource for construction, property development, and infrastructure insights. Building the nation through expert architectural and engineering guidance.
Match Panels to Inverter
Tips for optimal system performance.
3.5kVA Inverter Load Guide
Explore residential setup capabilities.
Best Solar Panels Zimbabwe
Analysis of performance and durability.
Solar Companies Zimbabwe
Customer service and reliability.
Best Solar Panel Brands
Guide for home and business solutions.
Solar Installers Zimbabwe
Professional and certified installers.
3kVA System Cost Guide
Get pricing information for Zimbabwe.
5kVA System Cost Guide
Budget requirements for systems.
David (Solar Sales)