Mugabe’s Son Bellarmine Chatunga Ditches Bail, Seeks Plea Deal Over Hyde Park Shooting Case

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the son of former Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe, has abandoned his attempt to secure bail and is now seeking to negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors.

Mugabe appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday alongside his co-accused, Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze.

The court hearing follows several earlier postponements caused by technical issues at the court building, including electricity outages that disrupted proceedings.

During the session, Advocate Laurance Hodes, representing both accused together with attorney Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, informed the court that the defence had decided not to proceed with their bail applications.

“My instructions are not to proceed with the bail applications,” he said.

Hodes explained that the two men intend to engage the state in plea negotiations and requested that the matter be transferred back to the regional court so discussions with prosecutors can take place.

The prosecution confirmed the arrangement and asked the court for a postponement to allow the process to move forward. The case has been scheduled to return to court on 17 March.

Mugabe’s attempted murder charges stem from Hyde Park shooting

The case stems from a shooting incident that took place at the Mugabe residence in Hyde Park, Johannesburg on 19 February.

During the incident, a 23-year-old gardener was shot and seriously wounded.

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Following the incident, Mugabe and Matonhodze were arrested and charged with attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, pointing a firearm, and defeating the ends of justice.

The charges form part of an ongoing investigation into the events that unfolded at the property on the day of the shooting.

Immigration Act charge adds to legal trouble

In addition to the other charges, Mugabe is also accused of being in South Africa illegally in terms of the Immigration Act.

Authorities say the charge of pointing a firearm and the alleged immigration violation relate to two separate incidents — one that reportedly occurred in 2023 and another in February 2026.

Reports indicate that the earlier firearm case was opened at Bramley Police Station in 2023 but was later closed after investigators were unable to locate the suspect at the time.

With plea negotiations now on the table, the upcoming court date is expected to determine the next step in the high-profile case.