The son of late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, and his co-accused, Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze, are expected to make a formal bail application on Wednesday at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court.
The matter was postponed again at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg last week on Thursday morning.
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 pair were expected to apply for bail.
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.
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.
The duo are accused of shooting a 23-year-old employee of Mugabe at his Hyde Park home in February, leaving him in a critical condition.
It remains unclear whether Mugabe and Matonhodze are in South Africa legally.
The state is expected to clarify their immigration status once the pair appear in the dock.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL News
