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 next Tuesday for a bail application, reports Alex News.

The duo appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court yesterday, facing multiple charges including attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, and illegal possession of a firearm. They were arrested after a shooting at the Hyde Park residency of the former president.

A 23‑year‑old gardener, reportedly employed at the Mugabe home, was critically injured and hospitalised.

Rosebank Killarney Gazette previously reported that Mugabe and Matonhdze, who police say were present during the incident, were questioned and arrested last week. The duo spent the weekend in custody.

In court

During the brief proceedings yesterday, 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 Magistrate’s Court.

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.

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 police 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.”

Watch the video:

@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

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