Mugabe’s Son Admits Immigration, Firearm Offences in Johannesburg Shooting Case

JOHANNESBURG— The youngest son of former Zimbabwean leader , pleaded guilty on Friday to immigration and firearm-related offences in a Johannesburg court but denied involvement in a shooting that left his gardener seriously wounded, according to court proceedings.
Mugabe, 29, admitted to being in South Africa illegally and to pointing a firearm in a separate incident, while rejecting charges that he shot the victim during an altercation at a residence in the upscale Hyde Park district of . He had been in custody alongside his cousin and co-accused, , following their arrest on February 19.
Matonhodze, 32, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and also admitted to violating immigration and firearm laws, according to statements presented in court. Legal counsel for Mugabe, , said negotiations with prosecutors to reach a plea and sentencing agreement had broken down at a late stage.
Mnguni rejected allegations that Matonhodze was assuming responsibility for the shooting to shield Mugabe, describing such claims as unfounded. Authorities have not recovered the firearm allegedly used in the incident.
The case has been adjourned to April 24 as proceedings continue. Mugabe is one of two sons born to Robert Mugabe and his second wife, Grace Mugabe. The former president ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years before being removed from power in a 2017 military intervention and died in 2019.