The plea negotiations in the case of Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, and co-accused Tobias Tamirepi Mugabe Matonhdze, are nearing completion, according to state prosecutor Lufuno Maphiri.

Maphiri revealed this on Tuesday during Mugabe and Matonhdze’s recent appearance at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on multiple charges, including attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, contravention of the Immigration Act, and defeating the ends of justice. “Unfortunately, today the matter cannot proceed. The senior public prosecutor, who has to take the final decision, is not in the office.”

Read more: Mugabe and Matonhdze abandon bail and opt for plea negotiations

He added that there was an agreement to postpone the matter to next Tuesday. “Rest assured, on that particular day, the plea will proceed.”

Magistrate Reiner Boshoff granted the postponement, noting that both the accused will be remanded in custody.

Speaking outside the court, defence lawyer for the two accused, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, said he could not comment on what they are considering, in terms of sentencing. He explained that it is still an early stage of negotiations. “We are simply dealing with the nature of the charges.”

Meanwhile, members of ActionSA gathered after the proceedings with placards protesting against illegal immigration. Some waved placards reading, ‘South Africa is for South Africans’.

The party’s mayoral hopeful in Johannesburg, Herman Mashaba, spoke against the state negotiating with the accused, stressing that they are in the country illegally. “This plea bargain nonsense must really stop. When are we going to stop plea bargains in our system? When are we going to stop running the country with commissions?

Also read: Court blackout delays bail hearing for Mugabe and co-accused

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and co-accused Tobias Tamirepi Matonhdze to spend yet another week behind bars as plea negotiations drag. Video: Itumeleng Maloka #Alex #Mugabe ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

“They are in our country illegally. We don’t know how long they have been here. They have allegedly shot someone, and up to this day, they have not produced the firearm that was used. Must we do deals with such criminals?”

He added that if one wants to collapse the country, they should allow the collapse of the criminal justice system. “People come into the country without papers, like Mugabe’s son. It is not acceptable. They are not allowed or welcomed in the city of Johannesburg.”

Mnguni, however, said the defence is not concerned about public opinion regarding the case. “As legal representatives, we are trained not to believe that the public should influence the outcomes of court proceedings.”

He added that he does not think magistrates, as experienced as those at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, will be swayed by public opinion, noting that they will be guided by their own experience.

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