Johannesburg – Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, son of the late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, and co-accused Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze have withdrawn their bail applications in connection with a Hyde Park shooting incident.
Appearing in Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on 11 March, their lawyer, Advocate Laurance Hodes, said: “My instructions are not to proceed with the bail applications,” according to The Citizen.
The defence indicated they plan to pursue plea negotiations with the state and requested that the case be transferred back to the regional court to facilitate discussions.
The case is set to return on 17 March.
[WATCH] Bellarmine Mugabe’s case has been postponed to March 17 and transferred to the regional court for plea negotiations. Mugabe and co-accused remain in custody. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/6pNwsJ0GgV
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 11, 2026
The charges stem from a 19 February shooting at Mugabe’s Johannesburg residence that seriously injured a 23-year-old gardener.
Both accused face attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, pointing a firearm, and defeating the ends of justice.
Breaking news
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and his co-accused Tobias Matonhodze have abandoned their bail application in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court.
The pair appeared briefly in court and the matter has been transferred to the regional court for plea negotiations.
They… pic.twitter.com/nGuawVUUtY
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) March 11, 2026
Bellarmine Mugabe also faces a charge of being in South Africa illegally.
Some charges relate to a separate 2023 incident previously closed due to difficulty locating the suspect.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
