Johannesburg, South Africa – Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, 28, and his co-accused Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze, 33, will remain in custody ahead of their bail hearing on 3 March at Alexandra Magistrate’s Court.
Charges They Face
- Attempted murder: linked to a shooting during an altercation at a Hyde Park residence.
- Defeating the ends of justice: the firearm believed to have been used is still missing.
- Unlawful possession of a firearm: added as investigators pursue forensic leads.
What Happened?
Last Thursday at a property in the affluent Hyde Park suburb north of Johannesburg, a 23-year-old gardener was shot during an altercation. The victim remains hospitalised under medical care. Spent cartridges were recovered at the scene, but the firearm itself is still missing, a key point in the ongoing investigation. To complicate the case further, the victim told the police that he doesn’t remember who shot him.
Legal Proceedings and Police Statements
Prosecutors confirmed that key steps are still underway, including identity verification with the Department of Home Affairs, which contributed to the court postponement. Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi stated that investigators are confident in the evidence gathered and plan to proceed once the case docket is complete.
Defence and Bail Prospects
The defence confirmed that a formal bail application will be made on 3 March. The State intends to oppose release, citing the ongoing investigation and unresolved questions surrounding the missing firearm.
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