Bellarmine Mugabe, the son of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, is expected to appear in the Alexandra Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning to bring a formal bail application.
He and co-accused Tobias Mugabe Matondze face serious charges following an alleged shooting incident at their Hyde Park home in February, in which a domestic employee was injured.
The case has been postponed twice in recent days after the Alexandra court precinct experienced a week-long power outage and had no working generator.
Both men face seven charges, including attempted murder, possession of a firearm and ammunition, defeating the ends of justice, contravening the Immigration Act, theft, and pointing a firearm. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the firearm used in the alleged shooting has been recovered.
The State is also expected to clarify the pair’s immigration status in South Africa. If found to be in the country illegally, this could strengthen the State’s argument against granting bail.
Bellarmine Mugabe’s lawyer, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, said last week that his client was ready for the bail hearing. The condition of the injured employee has not been disclosed.
The case has attracted public attention due to the high profile of the Mugabe family and the severity of the allegations. It also underscores ongoing concerns about violent crime and firearm-related offences in South Africa.
Security measures are expected to be tight during the hearing. Both Bellarmine Mugabe and Tobias Mugabe Matondze remain in custody ahead of the formal bail bid.
