By Ziyah News Reporter
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, and his co-accused Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze have abandoned their bail application and opted instead to enter into plea negotiations with the State.
The two appeared at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday morning where they were initially expected to proceed with a formal bail application.
However, reports say, their legal team informed the court that they would instead pursue a plea deal with prosecutors.
This means, Mugabe and his co-accused are choosing to negotiate with the State rather than fight for temporary freedom through bail, which could potentially shorten the trial process and lead to a negotiated outcome in court.
The matter has been postponed to 17 March, and both accused will remain in custody until their next court appearance.
The case has faced several delays in recent weeks, including a postponement last Thursday when proceedings at the court could not continue due to a power outage.
Mugabe and Matonhodze are facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, defeating the ends of justice, theft, pointing a firearm, and contravening immigration laws.
The charges stem from a February shooting incident at Mugabe residence in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, where a 23-year-old employee at Mugabe’s home was shot and left in critical condition following an altercation.