We are ready – says Chatunga Mugabe’s lawyers as bail application deferred

By Agencies

MUGABE’S son remains in jail as his bail application is postponed until Thursday, 5 March, by the Alexandra Magistrates Court.

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, son of late former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe and his co-accused, Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze, will remain in custody.

The matter was adjourned to allow the defence time to review outstanding documents expected from the state before proceeding with the bail bid.

There also isn’t clarity on how Mugabe is in the country, given that his legal status has previously been questioned.

Mugabe’s lawyer, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, said the proceedings were marred by several challenges, including a technical failure.

“There were quite a number of challenges today with regards to the proceedings. Firstly, there was a technical failure with the electricity, so we weren’t able to proceed,” he said.

Mnguni confirmed that the defence is still awaiting certain documents from the prosecution.

“There are still some documents that the prosecution needs to provide us with before we proceed with the bail application on our clients’ behalf. We’ve been ready since last week Monday.

“The prosecution has said on record that they’ve experienced certain challenges with regards to obtaining certain documents, but we’re ready from our side to proceed once the state is ready.”

He stressed that the legal team still needs to consult fully with their clients before formally arguing for bail.

On the issue of Mugabe’s status in South Africa, Mnguni said the defence has not yet been furnished with further particulars.

“At this stage, we haven’t been furnished with any further particulars, but we will deal with that once we are in receipt of the complete set of facts so that we can take instructions and then plot a way forward.”

Regarding Mugabe‘s wellbeing, Mnguni said no health concerns have been raised with him and declined to comment on his psychological state or conditions in custody.

Matonhodze and Mugabe were arrested after a 23-year-old gardener was shot at a family home in Hyde Park, north of Joburg.

According to police, an altercation allegedly broke out between the gardener and Mugabe inside the house. The gardener was shot and ran into the street, where private security officers were alerted and responded to the scene.