The bail application for Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, son of the late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, and co-accused Tobias Tamirepi Matonhodze was postponed for a second time on 5 March 2026 due to a power outage at Johannesburg's Alexandra Magistrate’s Court. The pair face charges including attempted murder over a shooting at Mugabe’s Hyde Park home on 19 February.
This was the second delay for the bail hearing in the case against Bellarmine Mugabe, 28, and Tobias Matonhodze, 33, following an initial postponement on 3 March due to documentation issues. They remain in custody on charges of possession of a firearm, attempted murder, and defeating the ends of justice after allegedly shooting an employee at Mugabe’s Hyde Park residence. The victim is still in critical condition.
The 19 February incident involved an altercation inside the home; the victim was shot in the back while fleeing and collapsed outside. Police arrested the pair after a security guard alerted them. Investigations continue, including searches for the unlicensed firearm, with potential additional charges like pointing a firearm and immigration violations from prior incidents.
Mugabe’s lawyer, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, voiced frustration outside court: “We’ve been ready to proceed since last week, but these things are out of our hands.”
The postponement stemmed from a week-long electricity outage at the court, with the generator out of fuel for months. DA figures Helen Zille and Glynnis Breytenbach inspected the site, decrying 'shocking' conditions including sewage overflows and potholes, calling it 'justice delayed, justice denied.' Breytenbach plans to push for a parliamentary inquiry into Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi.
City officials announced emergency repairs for power, water, and waste issues. The next hearing is set for 11 March.
