Johannesburg – The Alexandra Magistrate’s Court has handed down sentences to Bellarmine Mugabe and Tobias Matonhodze, following their guilty pleas in a case involving attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm, and immigration violations.
Mugabe, 29, was sentenced on two charges: pointing what was believed to be a firearm and contravening immigration laws. The court heard that while he was present during the incident, it could not fully establish the circumstances leading up to the attempted murder.
He was sentenced to a R400,000 fine or 24 months’ imprisonment for the first count, and a R200,000 fine or 18 months’ imprisonment for the immigration offence.
As a first-time offender who showed remorse, the court said it had exercised leniency.
Mugabe was also ordered to be deported immediately, “It is also ordered that you be deported today. You are in a position to pay for yourself and therefore alleviating the state from the duty to deport you,” the magistrate said.
In contrast, Matonhodze, 32, faced more serious charges, including attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and defeating the ends of justice by concealing the weapon used in the crime, leaving it unaccounted for and still in circulation.
The magistrate described these offences as grave, carrying standard sentences of 10 to 15 years or more. However, Matonhodze’s decision to plead guilty to all charges was taken into account.
“It took guts to plead guilty to all charges. You placed yourself at the mercy of this court. That says a lot in your favour, but you won’t escape jail today.” the magistrate said.
He was sentenced to a combined term of imprisonment, with 12 months for counts one, two and four, and 3 years for count three. The sentences will run concurrently.
Matonhodze will be deported upon completion of his prison term.
Delivering judgment, the magistrate noted that both accused had spent more than two months in custody awaiting trial and had taken the unusual step of indicating their intention to plead guilty, an action the court said demonstrated remorse and accountability.
The court also acknowledged that the complainant had already been compensated for injuries sustained during the incident, to the extent that he had sought to withdraw the charges. However, the magistrate stressed that criminal proceedings could not simply be resolved through financial compensation.
“You cannot always solve matters afterwards with a payment,” the magistrate said, emphasising the importance of respect for the law and for others.
The charges arise from an incident that took place on 19 February 2026 at Mugabe’s residence in Hyde Park. During an altercation between the accused and a security guard, the complainant was assaulted and subsequently shot in the back while attempting to flee. He collapsed outside the gate and was later discovered by a neighbouring security guard, who alerted the police.
In closing, the magistrate underscored the need to balance fairness and mercy in sentencing, stating that justice must apply equally to all individuals, regardless of nationality or status.“Every country has immigration laws, and they must be respected,” the court said, adding that the time spent in custody should serve as a lesson on the importance of lawful conduct and personal accountability.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Gauteng has welcomed the sentencing, saying the sentences send an unequivocal message that violent criminal conduct, coupled with disregard for the laws of South Africa, will attract firm consequences.
“This outcome reflects the strength of the state’s case. The NPA remains steadfast in its mandate to uphold the rule of law and ensure that those who commit serious offences are brought to justice,” said Magaboke Mohlatlole, the NPA Communications Officer for the Gauteng Division in Johannesburg