The trial of Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and his co-accused, Tobias Matonhodze, has been rocked by a bitter dispute over alleged victim compensation and the whereabouts of a missing firearm.
During a tense session at the Alexandra magistrate's court on Friday, the investigating officer, Colonel CJ Raj, categorically denied facilitating any settlement between the accused and the victim of a February shooting incident at a South African residence.
This testimony directly contradicted assertions by Mugabe’s defence team, who told the court that a payment was made with the colonel's knowledge after their families approached the complainant.
Raj remained firm, informing the court that the state is still searching for the weapon used in the crime.
"Based on the attempted murder, a firearm was used to commit this crime, we are still looking for this firearm," Raj said.
He said the duo have "shown no remorse" by refusing to assist the police in locating the weapon, despite both being present when the victim was injured.
The legal stakes remain high for the high-profile pair. While Mugabe has admitted to being in South Africa illegally and to pointing a firearm, his defence maintained the object was merely a "toy gun".
Matonhodze pleaded guilty to far more serious offences, including attempted murder and defeating the ends of justice.
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The charges stem from an incident in which Sipho Mahlangu, a security guard, was shot in the back twice at a residence in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, in February.
Both men were found at the scene, but only Matonhodze has admitted to the shooting.
Desperate to avoid South African prison time, defence lawyer Laurence Hodes has proposed a financial settlement to ensure the pair's immediate return to Zimbabwe.
"Should this court be inclined to impose a fine albeit a hefty fine... both accused are in a position to pay as they have the money set aside," Hodes argued.
He suggested that a fine would bring "finality" to the matter, stating that "the monies can be paid this weekend by Monday including the purchase tickets to Zimbabwe".
Meanwhile, defence lawyer Sinenhlanhla Mnguni denied claims that Matonhodze was "taking the fall" for Bellarmine.
"Think ultimately, the parties are at liberty to plead to the charges that are put to them, and those are entered freely and voluntarily by the different accused," Mnguni said, adding that to suggest otherwise is to "sensationalise the matter".
The case was postponed for further investigation into the missing firearm.
