Robert Mugabe’s Son Bail Bid Stalls Amid Immigration Status Questions

The attempt by Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, son of late former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, to secure bail has hit an unexpected delay.

Mugabe and his co-accused, Tobias Mugabe Matonhdze, appeared before the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, where their bail application was scheduled to proceed.

Instead, the hearing was postponed to Thursday, 5 March, after technical problems and outstanding documentation prevented proceedings from continuing.

Bail Hearing Disrupted by Power Failure

Speaking to journalists outside court, defence attorney Sinenhlanhla Mnguni said a power outage inside the building brought the session to a halt.

“There was a technical failure with the electricity, so we were unable to proceed.

“However, be that as it may, you are correct – there are still some documents that the prosecution needs to provide to us before we can proceed with the bail application on our client’s behalf,” he told reporters.

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Mnguni explained that although the defence has been ready to argue for bail since last week, key documents from the state are still outstanding.

Asked whether the legal team was confident about securing bail, he declined to speculate.

“We do not have a full set of facts before us, before we take instructions, and I think that we’ll be guided by that, so I don’t want to pre-empt anything.”

Immigration Questions Still Unclear

Mugabe’s immigration status has also emerged as a potential factor in the case.

Mnguni said clarity on that issue was still pending. “We haven’t furnished any further particulars, but we will in due course be in receipt of the complete set of facts surrounding that particular issue, so we can take instructions and then plot the way forward with our client.”

On Mugabe’s condition after spending a week in custody, the lawyer declined to comment beyond his legal role.

“I don’t seem to see anything that suggests any dramatic change or drastic change from last week.

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“I’m not an expert in that field so I can’t really comment or tell you how they’re doing psychologically.”

Responding to rumours that the complainant might withdraw the matter, Mnguni said no such information had been communicated to the defence.

“Nothing of that said it has been brought to my attention. So no, I do not know about that the prosecution certainly hasn’t communicated that to us.”

Charges Stem From Hyde Park Shooting

The arrests relate to a shooting at the Mugabe residence in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, on 19 February.

A 23-year-old gardener was seriously wounded and remains in hospital.

Mugabe and Matonhdze face charges of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, and defeating the ends of justice.

Mugabe is also accused of theft and being unlawfully present in South Africa, although the state has yet to formally confirm those additional allegations.

The matter returns to court on Thursday.