Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, son of the late Zimbabwean president, and co-accused Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze abandon their bail bid in a high-profile criminal case.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
The son of late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, and his co-accused, Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze, have abandoned their bail application. Instead, they have elected to enter into plea negotiations with the state.
The matter is reportedly expected to return to court on March 17. The two will remain in custody.
The pair appeared at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday morning, where they had been expected to make a formal bail application.
The case had previously been postponed at the same court last Thursday because of a power outage.
The accused son of late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe faces multiple serious charges, including attempted murder.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Mugabe and Matonhodze face several charges, including attempted murder, possession of a firearm and ammunition, defeating the ends of justice, theft, pointing a firearm, and contravening the Immigration Act.
The two are accused of shooting a 23-year-old employee of Mugabe at his Hyde Park home in February, leaving the victim in a critical condition.
Speaking to the media outside court last week, Mugabe’s legal representative, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, confirmed the matter had earlier been postponed because of the power outage.
“It is quite disappointing. We were ready to proceed as of Monday last week. Of course, we understand these things are out of our hands,” he said.
Mnguni said all outstanding issues previously discussed in court, including documentation, had been resolved this week. The only remaining step was to take further instructions from his client.
He added that while Mugabe may be frustrated at spending another week behind bars, he understands the delay is beyond his control.
Mnguni also confirmed that the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court had been without electricity for the entire week.
It remains unclear whether Mugabe and Matonhodze are in South Africa legally.
Speaking to the media outside court, Mugabe’s legal representative, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, confirmed the matter had been postponed because of a power outage at the magistrate’s court.
“It is quite disappointing. We were ready to proceed as of Monday last week. Of course, we understand these things are out of our hands,” he said.
Bellarmine Mugabe and Tobias Matonhodze appeared at Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday morning, facing multiple serious charges.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Mnguni said all outstanding matters previously discussed in court, including documents, were settled this week. The only remaining step is to take further instructions from his client.
He added that while Mugabe may be frustrated to spend another week behind bars, he understands that the delay is beyond his control.
Mnguni also confirmed that the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court had been without electricity for the entire week.
It remains unclear whether Mugabe and Matonhodze are in South Africa legally.
*This is a developing story*
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