The youngest son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe has admitted to threatening a man with a firearm and living illegally in South Africa, while denying shooting and seriously injuring his gardener.
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, 29, entered the plea in court on Friday in South Africa. He, however, rejected a more serious charge of attempted murder linked to an incident at an upscale suburb in Hyde Park Johannesburg.
Prosecutors say the case stems from a dispute that escalated, leading to allegations of firearm use and a violent confrontation involving a gardener who was reportedly left seriously injured.
Mugabe appeared in custody alongside his cousin and co-accused, Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze, who also faces multiple charges in connection with the incident.
In his plea, Mugabe admitted to pointing a firearm in a separate incident and to violating immigration laws by residing in South Africa without proper documentation.
Matonhodze, 32, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and additional charges related to immigration violations and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Court proceedings are ongoing as more details are expected to emerge about the confrontation and the condition of the injured victim.
