The sentencing phase in the case involving Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and his co-accused Tobias Matonhodze continued at the Alexandra Regional Court, with new developments shedding light on both restitution and unresolved risks.
The court was informed that the victim, Sipho Mahlangu, has begun receiving financial compensation. According to the investigating officer, an initial payment of R250,000 has already been made, with a further R150,000 expected, bringing the total to R400,000. The arrangement was reportedly handled privately in Sandton, without the officer’s involvement.
Mahlangu’s condition appears stable, as he attended proceedings voluntarily and was described as recovering well.
However, a major concern remains unresolved—the firearm used in the shooting is still missing. Police detailed extensive search efforts at the Hyde Park property, including K9 operations and even underwater searches in a swimming pool using magnets due to low visibility. Despite these efforts, no weapon was recovered.
Investigators told the court that both accused have failed to assist in locating the firearm and have shown no willingness to cooperate. Authorities warned that the missing weapon remains a serious public safety risk, as it is still functional and unaccounted for.
While the defence suggested that the firearm could have been removed by others present at the scene—such as private security or emergency responders—the prosecution maintains that the accused are responsible for its disappearance.
Describing the matter as both serious and widely followed, the State is seeking strict punishment. For Mugabe, prosecutors are calling for direct imprisonment linked to firearm and immigration offences. For Matonhodze, they are pursuing a significantly heavier sentence, including long-term imprisonment for attempted murder, illegal firearm possession, obstruction of justice, and related charges.
The defence has opposed these demands, arguing instead for leniency through fines and suspended sentences, while emphasizing the personal circumstances of the accused.
The case has been postponed to 29 April, when the court is expected to deliver its final sentencing decision after reviewing all legal considerations.