Bellarmine Mugabe, son of the late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, and his co-accused Tobias Matonhodze have abandoned their bail application in an attempted murder case, opting instead for plea negotiations due to immigration charges.
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, 28, and Tobias Tamirepi Matonhodze, 33, appeared at the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on 11 March 2026, where their legal team withdrew the bail application. The decision stems from additional charges under the Immigration Act, as the pair are Zimbabwean nationals who exceeded the 90-day visa-free stay in South Africa. Their lawyer, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, explained that the prosecution highlighted their alleged illegal status, which complicated bail prospects. 'We must remember that there are multiple charges. And, of course, we need to take instructions on each and every one,' Mnguni told reporters.
The men face charges of attempted murder, pointing a firearm, possession of a firearm, and defeating the ends of justice related to the shooting of a 23-year-old gardener at Mugabe’s Hyde Park residence on 19 February 2026. The victim was hospitalized in critical condition, and the gun has not been recovered. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng spokesperson, Magaboke Mohlatlolele, confirmed the entry into plea negotiations but provided no further details.
Mnguni added that the illegal stay allegation remains unproven. 'You say they are illegal, but it’s still just an allegation, it’s still a charge, it hasn’t been dealt with yet,' he said. The case has been transferred to the regional court, with plea discussions set for 17 March 2026.
The incident has drawn attention to the Mugabe family's past legal issues in South Africa and Zimbabwe, including assaults and property disputes. Zimbabwean activist Tendai Ruben Mbofana noted that the case symbolizes accountability for the powerful, sparking discussions on privilege and legal compliance abroad.
