Late former President Robert Mugabe’s son Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and his cousin, Tobias Matonhodze, have abandoned their bail application at the Alexandra Magistrates Court, Johannesburg, and will instead pursue a plea negotiation with prosecutors.
The two men, who are facing charges including attempted murder and immigration-related offences, informed the court through their lawyers that they intend to enter into negotiations with the State.
According to law experts, the process allows accused persons to agree to plead guilty in exchange for a negotiated sentence.
The plea bargaining process is conducted under Section 105A of South Africa’s Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, which allows prosecutors and accused persons to reach a settlement aimed at expediting criminal proceedings and reducing the time and cost associated with a full trial.
For now, both men remain in custody and are expected to return to court on March 17, when the plea negotiation process is set to begin.
Bail was widely seen as unlikely after prosecutors indicated that the pair were allegedly in South Africa illegally, a factor that typically weighs against granting bail due to flight risk concerns.
Mugabe and Matonhodze are facing three charges related to attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and defeating the ends of justice.
The charges stem from an alleged shooting incident at a residence in Hyde Park, Johannesburg.
According to police, the charge of defeating the ends of justice relates to the disappearance of the firearm allegedly used in the shooting. Investigators reportedly deployed forensic specialists and sniffer dogs to search for the weapon, but the operation did not recover it.
Prosecutors allege the suspects were involved in a shooting that left a 23-year-old gardener critically injured.
Two weeks ago, Mugabe reportedly required medical attention after collapsing twice while being held at Bramley Police Station.
His legal representatives later raised concerns about his health, calling on authorities to ensure he received adequate medical care while in detention.
