March 5, 2026
News | SUNTV Global Channel
The criminal trial involving the son of late Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe was abruptly delayed on Thursday after a power outage disrupted proceedings at a court in South Africa.
The hearing, which involves Bellarmine Mugabe and his co-accused Tobias Matonhdze, was scheduled to continue at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court before the courtroom was plunged into darkness due to an unexpected electricity failure.
Following the disruption, the court postponed the case to March 11, 2026.
The development was disclosed by South African journalist Chriselda Zozi Lewis in a post on X (formerly Twitter), where she noted that the proceedings could not continue because the courthouse had no electricity.
“The case against the son of the former Zimbabwean President Bellarmine #Mugabe and his co-accused Tobias Matonhdze has been postponed to March 11 as there is no electricity at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court,” she wrote.
Serious Criminal Charges
Bellarmine Mugabe and Matonhdze are currently facing several serious charges linked to a violent incident that allegedly occurred last month at Mugabe’s residence in Hyde Park, Johannesburg.
According to the charge sheet, the two men are accused of shooting and injuring an employee at the property, leading to multiple criminal counts.
Prosecutors have filed charges including:
- Attempted murder
- Defeating the ends of justice
- Unlawful possession of a firearm
In addition, authorities revealed that Bellarmine Mugabe is also facing allegations of violating South Africa’s immigration laws.
Case To Resume Next Week
Because the hearing could not proceed due to the blackout, the court will reconvene next Wednesday, when the case is expected to continue.
The incident adds another layer of controversy to the legal challenges currently surrounding the Mugabe family in South Africa, as prosecutors prepare to present evidence relating to the alleged shooting.
For now, the proceedings remain on hold until electricity is fully restored at the court facility.
— Reported by SUNTV Global Channel 🌍📰
