Son of the late Robert Mugabe, Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, and his co-accused, Tobias Matonhodze, have entered talks on a plea deal after dropping the bail application.
The duo made their appearance in Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday March 11, where they were expected to make a formal bail application after several postponements due to ongoing technicalities in court.
The Citizen reported that during Wednesday’s proceedings, Advocate Laurance Hodes, who represents both accused together with attorney Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, informed the court that the defence would no longer pursue bail.
Also see: Mugabe’s son arrested: Gardener critically shot at Hyde Park mansion
“My instructions are not to proceed with the bail applications,” he said.
Breaking news
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and his co-accused Tobias Matonhodze have abandoned their bail application in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court.
The pair appeared briefly in court and the matter has been transferred to the regional court for plea negotiations.
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— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) March 11, 2026
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Hodes told the court that Bellarmine and Tobias plan to pursue plea negotiations with the state instead. The duo will remain behind bars, and the case will return to court on 17 March.
Bellarmine and Tobias stand accused of shooting a 23-year-old gardener at the Mugabe Hyde Park home in February, leaving him in a critical condition.
The pair has been charged with attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, pointing a firearm and defeating the ends of justice.
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