Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and his co-accused, Tobias Tamirepi Mugabe Matonhdze, walked into a dim courtroom for their bail hearing on March 5, only to find the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court without electricity. The blackout forced yet another postponement, pushing their matter to next week.
This marks yet another delay in their case since their first appearance on February 23.
Read more: Bail application for Mugabe and Matonhdze postponed to March 5
During the brief appearance on Thursday, Magistrate Dyta Prinsloo postponed proceedings to March 11, noting that the duo will remain in custody.
Speaking outside the court, Mugabe’s lawyer Sinenhlanhla Mnguni said the repeated setbacks are frustrating. “It is quite disappointing. As I stated on Tuesday, we have been ready to proceed since last Monday. Of course, we understand these things are out of our hands.”
On Tuesday, the postponement was linked to outstanding documents that the state needed to provide. Mnguni confirmed that those matters were concluded by Wednesday, and that the defence is prepared to move forward.
“At this point, what we need is to take instructions from our client,” he added.
By the time their case resumes on March 11, Mugabe and Tamirepi will have spent about 20 days behind bars since their arrest in February. Mnguni said the postponements have also taken a toll on Mugabe.
Also read: Mabasa granted bail after 12 days in jail
“These are things that are out of anyone’s control. Frustrated as he may be, he is understanding. At this stage, I think we all need to proceed and get to a stage where this matter can move forward.”
Mnguni also addressed confusion around the charges, noting that no new charges have been added since the matter began.
While police initially indicated that the duo would face attempted murder in connection with the Hyde Park shooting that left a 23‑year‑old gardener injured, the state has since noted a broader set of charges, including defeating the ends of justice, unlawful possession of a firearm, and contravening the Immigration Act, among others.
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