Bellarmine Mugabe, the son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, is expected to be sentenced in the Alexandra Regional Court on Friday morning alongside his co-accused, Tobias Matonhodze. The sentencing follows their guilty pleas in connection with a February shooting incident in Johannesburg.

According to The South African, the case centres on the attempted murder of Sipho Mahlangu, who worked at the Mugabe family residence in Hyde Park. Mahlangu was shot and wounded during the incident.

The matter has drawn strong public attention, largely because of Mugabe’s surname and the profile that comes with it. But in court, the focus now shifts from identity to accountability, and to what sentence the court considers appropriate after the admissions already made.

Guilty pleas narrowed the case

During an earlier court appearance, Mugabe admitted to pointing a firearm and to contravening South Africa’s immigration laws. Matonhodze, however, pleaded guilty to more serious charges, including attempted murder, illegal immigration, possession of ammunition and defeating the ends of justice.

Those pleas significantly changed the shape of the case. Instead of a full trial over whether the men were responsible, the court is now dealing with sentencing after both accused accepted criminal responsibility on key aspects of the matter.

Missing firearm still hangs over proceedings

One issue has remained unresolved ahead of sentencing: the firearm used in the shooting has still not been recovered. The South African reported that the matter was previously postponed to give the defence time to locate the weapon, which remains a critical piece of evidence.

The report says the missing firearm could still play a role in the sentencing process, even though both men have already pleaded guilty. That means the court may still have to weigh the absence of the weapon when hearing final submissions.

Court expected to hear final submissions

The court is expected to hear final arguments before handing down sentence. That will bring the case closer to closure months after the February shooting. Further details on the outcome are expected after Friday’s proceedings.

For now, the key facts are clear. A man was shot and wounded. Two accused have pleaded guilty. And on Friday, the Alexandra Regional Court is expected to decide what punishment follows.