JOHANNESBURG – The victim in the shooting case against the son of late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe was paid R250 000 to remain silent about the incident, the Alexandra Magistrates Court heard on Friday.

Security guard Sipho Mahlangu, who was shot twice in the back at a Hyde Park residence in February, said on Friday that he received the payment, with a further R150 000 allegedly promised, investigating officer Colonel Raj Ramchunder told the court.

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe (29) and his cousin Tobias Matonhodze (32) were both present when the shooting occurred on 19 February. The pair have been in custody since their arrest later that day.

Last week, both men pleaded guilty to various charges linked to the shooting, as well as a separate incident in which Mugabe allegedly pointed a toy gun. They have petitioned the court to impose a suspended sentence or a fine.

However, the State has proposed lengthy prison sentences. Prosecutor Lufuno Maphiri asked for 12 months direct imprisonment for being in the country illegally and pointing a firearm, five years for attempted murder, 12 years for a firearms offence, and 12 months for defeating the ends of justice. The prosecution also proposed a fine for possession of ammunition.

Ramchunder told the court the firearm used in the shooting has not been recovered and both accused have not cooperated with police efforts to locate the weapon. He urged the court to impose a harsh sentence.

The State has argued that the two have shown no remorse and have not cooperated with the investigation.

Bellarmine is one of two sons Robert Mugabe had with his second wife Grace. The brothers have lived in Johannesburg at times, where they gained a reputation for partying and extravagant lifestyles.

The matter has been postponed to 29 April for sentencing.

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