Bellarmine Mugabe, the son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, has abandoned his bail application in a shooting case involving an employee at his Hyde Park residence. Along with co-accused Tobias Matonhodze, he will now enter plea negotiations with the state.
Key Takeaways
Bellarmine Mugabe, son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, has abandoned his bail bid in a shooting case involving an employee at his Hyde Park residence. He and co-accused Tobias Matonhodze will enter plea negotiations with the state.
- Bellarmine Mugabe abandons bail application
- Plea negotiations to begin on March 17
- Charges include attempted murder, illegal immigration, and firearm possession
- Victim remains unidentified and in critical condition
The pair appeared briefly in the Alexandra magistrate’s court on Wednesday, where they face multiple charges including attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, and possession of an unlicensed firearm. The charges stem from an alleged violent altercation with a gardener at Mugabe’s residence in Johannesburg.
According to information presented in court, the gardener was allegedly assaulted on the property during a confrontation with Mugabe and Matonhodze. Additional charges relating to contravention of the Immigration Act have also been added, with the state alleging that both men were in the country illegally.
The pair were arrested at Mugabe’s residence in February after gunshots were reportedly heard at the property. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) stated that a security guard from a neighboring property noticed the complainant lying outside and immediately alerted police and emergency services. Authorities responded to the scene, and the complainant was taken for medical treatment.
The court heard that the matter had initially been scheduled for bail proceedings. However, the accused abandoned their bail application and instead requested that the matter be transferred back to the trial court to allow for plea negotiations with the state. Legal representatives indicated discussions between the defense and prosecution are expected to continue before the next court appearance.
The case has been postponed to March 17, when the accused are expected to appear again in the Alexandra magistrate’s court. They will remain in custody pending the outcome of the plea negotiations. Bellarmine Mugabe is known for his lavish lifestyle often showcased on social media.
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