The pair face several serious charges after a 23‑year‑old gardener was shot at the Mugabe family residence in Hyde Park in February.

The charges include attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, unlawful possession of a firearm and contravening the Immigration Act. Both men abandoned their bail application last month after the State argued that they posed a flight risk due to their alleged irregular immigration status in SA.

Last week, Mugabe’s attorney, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, confirmed that plea discussions were close to being finalised. “Negotiations between the State and the defence are at an advanced stage,” Mnguni told Channel Africa. “Prosecutor Maphere indicated that they are about 98% complete.

–SABC/ChannelAfrica–