The son of the late Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, and his co-accused Tobias Tamirepi Mugabe Matonhdze, will remain behind bars until their next court appearance on March 3 for a bail application.
The duo appeared before the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing multiple charges including attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, and possession of a firearm. The charges stem from the shooting of a 23‑year‑old gardener at the Mugabe family residence in Hyde Park last Thursday.
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During the brief proceedings, the state announced its intention to oppose bail, adding that it still needs to profile the accused and confirm their immigration status.
The start of the hearing was delayed after the suspects were mistakenly taken to the Randburg Magistrate’s Court instead of Alexandra.
The accused’s lawyer, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, said there was a degree of confusion regarding where the accused were meant to be taken. “Seems that they were taken to the Randburg Magistrate’s Court instead of the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, and, of course, the magistrate wasn’t too pleased about that. It was rectified and they were ultimately brought before the court.”
Police had earlier confirmed the attempted murder charges, but the state revealed additional counts, including defeating the ends of justice, linked to the firearm allegedly used in the shooting, which police are yet to find as investigations continue.
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Mnguni refused to comment on the additional charges, noting that they still need to take instruction from their client. “As the prosecution stated, the investigations from the SAPS are still ongoing. So, we are still waiting for those to be finalised, so that we can consult with our client, take instructions, and take the necessary steps.”
@caxtonjoburgnorth Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and Tobias Tamirepi Mugabe Matonhdze finally appear before the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court after they were mistakenly taken to the Randburg Magistrate’s Court, a mix-up that delayed proceedings in their attempted murder case. #caxtonlocalmedia #News #Community #Localnews #johannesburg #Fyp #SA #2026 ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
Rosebank Killarney Gazette previously reported that both Mugabe and Matonhdze, who police say was present during the incident, were questioned and arrested last week. The duo spent the weekend in custody.
The shooting left the 23‑year‑old gardener, reportedly employed at the Mugabe home, critically injured and hospitalised.
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