Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, son of the late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, has pleaded guilty to two lesser offences, escaping attempted murder charges in connection with a Hyde Park shooting that left a gardener critically injured.

Mugabe appeared alongside co-accused Tobias Tamirepi Matonhdze in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Friday. During their appearance, Mugabe admitted guilt to charges of pointing a firearm and contravening immigration laws by overstaying his permit.

Read more: Court grants final postponement in Mugabe and Matonhdze case

Matonhdze, meanwhile, admitted to shooting 23-year-old Sipho Mahlangu twice in the back and pleaded guilty to more serious charges, including attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, contravening the Immigration Act, and defeating the ends of justice in relation to the missing firearm used in the shooting.

Advocate Laurance Hodes SC, representing both men, argued for a non-custodial sentence, noting they had already spent months in custody. He told the court that Mahlangu had been compensated and that the accused were prepared to cover deportation costs. “Should this court order further reparations, both of the accused would be in a position to honour such an order. Similarly, should this court be inclined to impose a fine, both accused are in a position to pay.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: The case against Bellarmine Mugabe and his co-accused Tobias Matonhdze has been postponed to April 24, as the state works to confirm compensation for the victim and locate the missing firearm Matonhdze admitted to concealing. Video: Itumelelng Maloka #Alex #Mugabe ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

He added that an appropriate sentence would be a suspended sentence, which would hang over their heads as a warning not to reoffend.

Also read: Plea negotiations near completion in Mugabe and co-accused’s case

However, the investigating officer told the court he needed more time to verify compensation. He told the court they also haven’t found the missing firearm. “Both the accused were present when the firearm was discharged, injuring the victim. They have shown no remorse in assisting police to recover it. They know where the firearm is.”

State prosecutor Lufuno Maphiri requested a postponement to allow the state to confirm compensation arrangements and continue efforts to trace the weapon.

Magistrate Reiner Boshoff granted the postponement to April 24, ordering that both accused remain in custody until then.

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