Bellarmine Mugabe Avoids Prison with Massive Fine While Co-Accused Receives Three-Year Sentence

Bellarmine Mugabe avoids jail with an R600,000 fine for toy gun and immigration charges, while his cousin receives a three-year prison sentence.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 8:01 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EyeWitness News (EWN)

Sentencing Outcomes at Alexandra Magistrates Court

The legal proceedings against Bellarmine Mugabe and his cousin, Tobias Matonhodze, concluded on Wednesday at the Alexandra Magistrates Court with markedly different outcomes for the two defendants. Following a guilty plea on all counts, the court focused on charges ranging from firearm-related offenses to immigration violations. While the State had previously pushed for direct imprisonment, the final ruling allowed for a financial penalty in Mugabe's case, effectively clearing the path for his immediate departure from South Africa.

Mugabe’s Financial Penalty and Imminent Deportation

Bellarmine Mugabe successfully sidestepped a direct prison sentence through the imposition of heavy fines. The court sentenced him to a fine of R400,000 (or 24 months in prison) for pointing a toy gun, and an additional R200,000 (or 18 months in prison) for violating the Immigration Act. Under the terms of the judgment, Mugabe is to be escorted to OR Tambo International Airport by an investigating officer. He is required to facilitate his own travel back to Zimbabwe at his own expense, terminating his legal residency issues within the country.

Prison Time for Co-Accused Tobias Matonhodze

In contrast, Mugabe’s cousin and co-accused, Tobias Matonhodze, was not granted the option of a fine for his more serious charges. Matonhodze will serve an effective three-year prison sentence. His sentencing breakdown included 12 months for defeating the ends of justice, 12 months for being in the country illegally, and a three-year term for the illegal possession of a firearm. The severity of the firearm charge and the lack of legal status contributed to the court's decision to mandate direct incarceration for Matonhodze.