A South African magistrates’ court has ordered the immediate deportation of Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe after imposing fines totalling R600,000, while his cousin Tobias Matonhodze was sentenced to an effective three years in prison. The ruling brings to a close a high-profile case involving charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and immigration violations.
In handing down the sentence, the presiding magistrate addressed the two accused separately, outlining the gravity of their offences and the factors considered in determining their punishment. Mugabe was fined on two counts. For Count 5, relating to the pointing of a toy gun in a manner that caused the complainant to believe it was a real firearm, the court imposed a fine of R400,000 or, alternatively, 24 months’ imprisonment. For Count 6, involving contravention of immigration laws, he was fined R200,000 or 18 months’ imprisonment.
The court acknowledged that fines are not typically imposed in immigration-related offences but noted that an exception was made due to Mugabe’s financial capacity to pay. The magistrate remarked that Mugabe was “lucky” that the complainant was not physically harmed during the incident. In addition to the fines, Mugabe was declared unfit to possess a firearm. The court further directed that he be escorted by an investigating officer to O.R. Tambo International Airport for immediate deportation from South Africa.
Matonhodze, meanwhile, received a custodial sentence after being convicted on more serious charges. These included attempted murder, defeating or obstructing the course of justice by concealing a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The court sentenced him to 12 months’ imprisonment on three counts and three years on a fourth count. However, the sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective three-year prison term. He is also expected to be deported upon completion of his sentence.
In mitigation, the court considered several factors in Matonhodze’s favour, including his decision to plead guilty, which the magistrate said saved judicial time and resources. The court also took into account that the victim had received financial compensation.
Delivering the ruling, the magistrate emphasized that crimes involving firearms and violence ordinarily attract direct and lengthy imprisonment. However, the court described the final outcome as a balance between justice and mercy, incorporating elements of restorative justice while still addressing the seriousness of the offences.
