Mugabe son spends 3 weeks in jail

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and co-accused Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze will remain in jail for 21 days after their bail application was postponed once again to March 11, 2026. The delay was caused by persistent power outages at the Alexandra Magistrate's Court.

The court, located in Alexandra township across the M1 from Sandton, has seen repeated disruptions, stalling the third bail hearing for Chatunga and Matonhodze. Their legal team will now return for a fourth appearance on March 11, with bail proceedings likely complicated by the disappearance of the firearm involved, questions about their legal status in South Africa, and concerns over potential flight risk.

The two were arrested following a shooting incident at their residence, reportedly at Hyde Park, Johannesburg. However, the property is actually located at No. 37 Killarney Road, Sandhurst, in the Sandton area. The victim, a 23-year-old gardener, was critically injured and hospitalized.

After the shooting, Chatunga barricaded himself inside a room, prompting the involvement of specialist hostage negotiators. He eventually surrendered and was taken into custody in handcuffs.

Chatunga and Matonhodze face multiple charges, including attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice for allegedly concealing the firearm and closing the gate on the injured victim, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.