The drawn-out case involving Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and co-accused Tobias Tamirepi Matonhdze has once again been postponed, as the prosecution and defence struggle to reach common ground.

The two appeared briefly before the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on March 24, facing charges in connection with the shooting of a 23-year-old gardener in Hyde Park.

Read more: Plea negotiations near completion in Mugabe and co-accused’s case

State prosecutor Lufuno Maphiri, who only last week told the court that discussions with the accused were nearing completion, returned this week to request more time for further investigations.

Magistrate Reiner Boshoff granted the state a final postponement to April 17.

@caxtonjoburgnorthWATCH: Defence attorney Sinenhlanhla Mnguni says the state is not necessarily unhappy with the proposals tabled during plea negotiations, but attributes the latest postponement to the ongoing struggle between prosecution and defence to find common ground. Video: Itumeleng Maloka #Alex #Mugabe

♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

The accused’s lawyer, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, admitted that the prosecution and defence have not yet found each other. “We have not found each other as much as we would have liked at this point. You would have noted from the words of the magistrate that they have marked this as a final postponement for the parties to finalise their negotiations.”

Mnguni stressed that the case is highly complex, with minor but significant details continuing to delay agreement. “It is the minor details, not to go too much into how the negotiations have been, but it is just minor details. This is a complex matter. You would appreciate that it is not that easy to appease everyone in these kinds of negotiations.”

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

He added that the defence is still hoping to continue negotiations, failing which the matter will proceed based on the state’s investigation, which they hope is concluded by the return date.

Mnguni maintained that the defence has engaged with the state in good faith throughout the process, and expressed confidence that an eventual resolution will be reached. “I have no doubt whatsoever that we will ultimately find each other.”

In the meantime, Mugabe and Matonhdze, who are facing charges of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, pointing a firearm, and contravention of the Immigration Act, among others, will remain in custody until their next appearance next month.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!