Late former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe’s son, Bellarmine, and his co-accused are set to return to court on March 24 after their case was postponed, following a brief appearance at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court.
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze appeared in court as discussions between the State and defence continue, with a plea agreement said to be close to completion.
Proceedings could not continue on the day as the State’s senior prosecutor was not ready to proceed, but indicated readiness for the next court date.
The two men had earlier abandoned their bail applications and returned to court amid ongoing negotiations, which the defence described as being at an advanced stage.
They face multiple charges, including attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The charges relate to a shooting incident at a Hyde Park residence in Johannesburg in February, where a 23-year-old gardener was allegedly shot and remains in hospital.
Addressing the media outside court, defence lawyer Sinenhlanhla Mnguni said negotiations between the State and the defence were progressing well, but could not be finalised due to the unavailability of a senior public prosecutor.
“We placed on record what transpired in negotiations between the State and the defence. The discussions are at an advanced stage,” Mnguni said.
“Unfortunately, the senior public prosecutor was not available today to conclude the negotiations so that we could proceed with the plea.”
Mnguni added that both parties remain optimistic that the matter will be concluded when it returns to court next week.
“We are hopeful that we will be able to conclude the plea and finalise the matter then,” he said.
The State has indicated it expects to proceed with the matter on the next court date, as both sides work towards finalising the plea agreement.
Saturday Star