Bellarmine Mugabe and Cousin Drop Bail, Pursue Plea Deal in Shooting Case

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe (28) and Tobias Matonhodze have officially abandoned their bail application at the Alexandra Magistrate's Court in Johannesburg, South Africa, opting instead to pursue plea negotiations.

The duo appeared in court on 11 March 2026 and shifted their focus to plea bargaining under South Africa's Section 105A, which allows an accused person to plead guilty in exchange for an agreed-upon sentence, thereby speeding up the legal process. The decision to withdraw the bail application followed arguments that the accused were in the country illegally, coupled with the severity of the charges, which include attempted murder, pointing a firearm, and defeating the ends of justice.

In a video posted on X, the duo's attorney, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, stated: "The state has found Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and Tobias Matonhodze to be in South Africa illegally." He explained that this was the main reason for withdrawing their bail application, as they are now considered flight risks. Both men face charges of attempted murder and contravening the Immigration Act.

The attorney said they are now considering a guilty plea, admitting to some charges while negotiating for a lighter sentence. In a plea negotiation, the accused may plead guilty in exchange for a reduced or agreed-upon sentence. The process, governed by Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act, is designed to expedite cases and reduce the time and cost of a full trial.

The charges stem from an incident on 19 February 2026, in which an employee was allegedly shot and injured at Mugabe's residence in Hyde Park, Johannesburg.

For now, both men remain in custody. They are expected back in court on 17 March 2026 for the continuation of plea negotiations.