Court blackout: Bail hearing delayed for Mugabe and co-accused in Johannesburg

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and his co-accused, Tobias Tamirepi Mugabe Matonhdze, walked into a dim courtroom for their bail hearing today, only to find the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court without electricity. The blackout forced yet another postponement, pushing their matter to next week. This marks yet another delay in their case since their first appearance last week Monday.

During the brief appearance today, Magistrate Dyta Prinsloo postponed proceedings Wednesday, noting that the duo will remain in custody,reportsAlex News. Speaking outside the court, Mugabe’s lawyer, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, said the repeated setbacks are frustrating. “It is quite disappointing.

As I stated on Tuesday, we have been ready to proceed since last week Monday. Of course, we understand these things are out of our hands.” On Tuesday, the postponement was linked to outstanding documents that the state needed to provide. Mnguni confirmed that those matters were concluded yesterday, and that the defence is prepared to move forward.

[paywall]

“At this point, what we need is to take instructions from our client,” he added. Mnguni said the postponements have also taken a toll on Mugabe. “These are things that are out of anyone’s control.

Frustrated as he may be, he is understanding. At this stage, I think we all need to proceed and get to a stage where this matter can move forward.” Mnguni also addressed confusion around the charges, noting that no new charges have been added since the matter began. While police initially indicated that the duo would face attempted murder in connection with the Hyde Park shooting that left a 23‑year‑old gardener injured, the state has since noted a broader set of charges, including defeating the ends of justice, unlawful possession of a firearm, and contravening the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, among others. Breaking news at your fingertips…Follow Caxton Network News onFacebookand join ourWhatsApp channel.

[/paywall]