Bellarmine Mugabe, son of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, and his co-accused Tobias Matonhodze are expected to apply for bail at the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court in Johannesburg South Africa this morning.
The pair face charges of attempted murder following a shooting incident at Mugabe’s residence in Hyde Park last month. A 23-year-old man, believed to be an employee at the property, was shot and wounded during the incident.
They are also charged with defeating the ends of justice and unlawful possession of a firearm. The weapon allegedly used in the shooting has not yet been recovered.
The matter was postponed last week to allow for further investigations.
Specialist investigator Mike Bolhuis says the disappearance of the firearm raises serious concerns but does not weaken the state’s case.
Bolhuis says if the weapon is not found, investigators must thoroughly examine those who were present at the scene. He suggests that the loss of the firearm could point to possible collusion, corruption or intimidation, and insists that accountability must follow.
He maintains that the case will not collapse simply because the firearm has not been recovered, adding that authorities can still proceed with charges based on other available evidence.
–ChannelAfrica–
