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The 28-year-old son of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, who is facing trial for allegedly shooting a man in South Africa, Bellarmine Mugabe, has opted for plea negotiations alongside his co-accused, Tobias Matonhodze.
Bellarmine appeared in the Alexandra magistrate’s court on Wednesday, where he and his co-accused are facing prosecution over attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and defeating the ends of justice.
Times Live reported that the court heard the matter, which had initially been scheduled for bail proceedings, but Bellarmine and his co-accused abandoned their bail application and requested that the matter be transferred back to the trial court to allow for plea negotiations.
He will, however, return to court on March 17.
Bellarmine and his co-accused had, in February, engaged in a violent brawl with a 23-year-old man believed to be a gardener at Mugabe’s upmarket residence in Hyde Park, Johannesburg and were arrested by the South African Police.
Credit: Refilwe Kholomonyane
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) revealed that the victim of the altercation was allegedly shot in the back while attempting to flee the residence.
“A security guard from a neighbouring property noticed the complainant lying outside and immediately alerted police and emergency services. Authorities responded to the scene, and the complainant was taken for medical treatment,” the NPA said.
“The state alleges that the accused were involved in the shooting and the subsequent events surrounding the incident, which led to the charges now before the court.”
The 28-year-old last appeared in court on March 3 when his hearing was reportedly postponed as a result of a power outage at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court.
