Top SA Cop Throws Chatunga Mugabe Under The Bus … – Eduzim News

By A Correspondent – A senior South African police officer has distanced himself from claims that he played any role in facilitating a payout deal involving Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, his co-accused Tobias Matonhodze, and the victim of a February shooting incident.

While testifying at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Friday, investigating officer Colonel CJ Raj dismissed suggestions that he facilitated or had knowledge of any financial arrangement between the accused and the complainant, Sipho Mahlangu.

His testimony directly challenged the version presented by Mugabe’s legal team, which had indicated that compensation discussions took place with the officer’s awareness.

Raj told the court that no such agreement had been handled through him and emphasized that the investigation remains incomplete, particularly with regard to the weapon used in the shooting. “Based on the attempted murder, a firearm was used to commit this crime; we are still looking for this firearm,” he said.

He further criticized the conduct of the accused, stating they had “shown no remorse” by failing to cooperate with investigators in locating the firearm, despite both being present when the incident occurred.

The case continues to attract attention due to the seriousness of the charges. Mugabe has acknowledged being in South Africa without proper documentation and admitted to pointing what his defence claims was a “toy gun.”

In contrast, Matonhodze has pleaded guilty to more severe offences, including attempted murder and defeating the course of justice.

The charges stem from a violent episode in February, when Sipho Mahlangu, a security guard, was shot twice in the back at a property in Hyde Park, Johannesburg. Although both accused were at the scene, Matonhodze has taken responsibility for the shooting.

In court, defence lawyer Laurence Hodes argued for a financial penalty instead of a custodial sentence, stating: “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.” He added that such an outcome could bring “finality” to the matter, with payment made promptly and travel arrangements back to Zimbabwe finalized shortly after.

Another defence lawyer, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, pushed back against claims that Matonhodze was shielding Mugabe.

“Ultimately, the parties are at liberty to plead to the charges put to them, and those pleas are entered freely and voluntarily by each accused,” she said, warning that alternative interpretations would merely “sensationalise the matter.”

The court has postponed proceedings to allow further investigations, particularly into the missing firearm and the alleged compensation discussions involving the victim.

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