The son of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe will spend another week in custody after his bail hearing was postponed again in the Alexandra Magistrate's Court in Johannesburg on Thursday morning.
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and co-accused Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze face several charges, including attempted murder, possession of a firearm and ammunition, defeating the ends of justice, theft, pointing a firearm, and contravening the Immigration Act.
The duo was expected to apply for bail.
Speaking to the media outside the court, Mugabe’s legal representative, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, confirmed that the matter had been postponed due to a power outage at the magistrate’s court.
“It is quite disappointing. We were ready to proceed as of Monday last week. Of course, we understand these things are out of our hands,” he said.
Mnguni said all outstanding matters that were previously discussed in court - outstanding documents - were settled this week, and all that needs to be done is take instructions from his client.
Mnguni said while his client may be frustrated to spend another week behind bars, he understands that this incident is out of his client's control.
He also confirmed that the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court has been without electricity the entire week.
The duo is accused of shooting a 23-year-old employee of Mugabe’s at his Hyde Park home in February and leaving him in a critical condition.
It remains unclear whether Mugabe and Matondze are in South Africa legally, and it is expected that the State will make their status known once the duo can appear in the dock.
The matter has been postponed until March 11.
