Mugabe’s Son Held in Custody as Bail Hearing Set for March

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — 2026-02-24
Updated: 09:30 GMT

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, remained in custody on Tuesday as his legal team prepares for a bail application hearing scheduled for 3 March 2026, according to reporting from Reuters and The Associated Press.

Mugabe and co-accused Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg on Monday on charges including attempted murder and defeating the ends of justice, Reuters reported. 

They did not enter pleas during the brief hearing, which prosecutors said was adjourned to allow further investigation and evidence preparation.

South African authorities allege the pair were involved in a shooting incident on 19 February at Mugabe’s residence in the upmarket Hyde Park suburb, leaving a 23-year-old gardener critically injured and hospitalised, according to AP News coverage. 

In addition to attempted murder, the accused also faces unlawful possession of a firearm and other related charges. The firearm allegedly used in the incident has not yet been recovered.

A spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority confirmed the state requested the postponement, asserting that investigations were still underway and that evidence needed to be fully examined before considering bail applications. 

Reuters reported prosecutors opposed bail at this stage, saying inquiries remained incomplete.

Mugabe’s legal representatives have not publicly commented on the specifics of the case, with defence counsel reserving remarks until they have reviewed the contents of the prosecution docket, according to reporting by Central News.

The case has drawn significant attention partly due to Mugabe’s family legacy; his father led Zimbabwe for nearly four decades before being ousted in a 2017 military takeover and died in 2019. 

The legal troubles of family members have previously attracted international media and public scrutiny, providing a broader backdrop to the current proceedings.

The continuation of pre-trial detention ahead of formal bail hearings underscores the procedural approach followed in South Africa’s criminal justice system when allegations of serious violent crimes are involved.

WHAT’S NEXT

Mugabe and Matonhodze are scheduled to appear again in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on 3 March 2026 for a formal bail hearing. Prosecutors will present updates on evidence and investigative progress at that time, and defence lawyers are expected to make submissions on behalf of their clients.