Crime and Courts
Chatunga Mugabe, Co-Accused Remanded in Custody Until April 17
The case involving Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and his co-accused Tobias Matonhodze has been deferred to 17 April 2026 after prosecutors indicated that plea discussions are still ongoing.
Both suspects remain behind bars following the postponement.
In court, the State explained that negotiations toward a possible plea deal have not yet been finalised, despite earlier suggestions that an agreement was imminent.
The presiding magistrate cautioned that no additional delays would be tolerated, stressing that proceedings must move forward on the next court date.
The two are facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, linked to an incident in mid-February where a 23-year-old gardener was allegedly shot in the back at a Hyde Park residence in Johannesburg.
Additional charges include firearm-related offences, obstructing justice, and alleged breaches of immigration laws.
Earlier in the month, the accused withdrew their bail applications due to complications arising from the immigration aspects of the case.