Bellarmine Mugabe’s lawyer says viral Midrand shopping photo is old

Legal representative dismisses claims that the 28-year-old has returned to South Africa

Claims that Bellarmine Mugabe, the son of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, recently returned to South Africa have been dismissed by his lawyer, who says a viral image circulating on social media is not recent.

The photograph, which was widely shared online, allegedly showed Mugabe shopping at Waterfall Corner in Midrand, prompting speculation that he had re-entered the country despite a five-year ban.

However, his legal representative, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, says the claims are false.

“He is not in South Africa”

Speaking on the matter, Mnguni said he had received clear instructions from his client regarding his whereabouts.

According to the lawyer, Mugabe is not currently in South Africa and has not returned since being deported in April 2026.

Mnguni declined to reveal which country Mugabe is currently in but maintained that he remains outside South Africa.

He also described the photograph circulating online as an old image, saying it was not taken this year.

Five-year ban remains in place

Mnguni pointed out that Mugabe is prohibited from entering South Africa for five years, following the sentence imposed by the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court earlier this year.

He said his client has no intention of violating the court order and would follow the appropriate legal process should he ever wish to return after the ban expires.

The lawyer added that any discussion about returning to South Africa remains premature because the restriction is still in force.

Why was Bellarmine Mugabe deported?

Bellarmine Mugabe, 28, was deported to Zimbabwe on 29 April 2026 after being convicted on charges linked to two separate incidents that occurred in February.

He was fined a total of R600,000, including:

• R400,000 (or 24 months’ imprisonment) for pointing what appeared to be a firearm.
• R200,000 (or 18 months’ imprisonment) for entering and remaining in South Africa illegally.

The court also ordered that he be deported at his own expense after the matter was finalised.

The incidents before the court

The first incident involved the shooting of an employee, Sipho Mahlangu, at Mugabe’s Hyde Park residence.

The second centred on Mugabe pointing a toy firearm at another individual in circumstances where the victim believed it was a real weapon.

Although police conducted an extensive search, the firearm allegedly used in the Hyde Park shooting was never recovered.

During the proceedings, the court heard that Mugabe and his cousin, Tobias Matonhodze, agreed to compensate the victim by paying R250,000, with a further R150,000 to be paid later.

Co-accused remains in prison

Matonhodze, who pleaded guilty to more serious offences, received a three-year prison sentence after being convicted on charges including:

• Attempted murder
• Defeating or obstructing the administration of justice
• Unlawful possession of a firearm
• Unlawful possession of ammunition

His sentences will run concurrently, and he is expected to be deported after completing his prison term.

Social media speculation

The latest controversy highlights how quickly unverified images can spread online.

The photograph sparked widespread speculation that Mugabe had breached his five-year entry ban, but no evidence has emerged to support those claims.

For now, his lawyer insists the image predates this year and says Bellarmine Mugabe remains outside South Africa in compliance with the court’s order.

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Source: iol.co.za