Zim GBC News | South African Correspondent
JOHANNESBURG – Renowned South African specialist crime investigator Mike Bolhuis has poured cold water on social media speculation that the criminal case against Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and his co-accused, Tobias Matonhodze, is likely to be thrown out of court. Bolhuis insists that the strength of the physical evidence and witness testimony will ensure the matter is prosecuted.
Mugabe and Matonhodze, the son of the late former President Robert Mugabe, were arrested following the shooting of an employee at the Mugabe family’s Hyde Park property in Johannesburg last week. The victim remains in a critical condition in hospital.
Speculation has been rife on social media platforms suggesting that the case might collapse due to the absence of the firearm allegedly used in the incident. However, speaking exclusively to Zim GBC News, Bolhuis dismissed these claims, outlining the compelling evidence already available to prosecutors.
Compelling Evidence Secures Prosecution
Bolhuis, whose firm is often involved in high-profile investigations, provided a detailed analysis of why the State has a strong case, even without the physical weapon.
“There is physical evidence of the shot. There are witnesses and there is a gun wound and he is critical in hospital. These are all facts and information to be presented in court,” Bolhuis stated emphatically.
“There is no other way this person finds himself in this situation without being shot by a gun. The fact remains that those who don’t come forward with the gun are in big trouble. If the victim lies and doesn’t cooperate, he is also in big trouble. This case cannot fall away. Nobody can withdraw this case and this case has to be prosecuted by the state,” he added.
Additional Charges and Bail Denied
Initially, the pair were facing a single charge of attempted murder. However, following further investigation, they now face additional charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and defeating the ends of justice, directly related to the disappearance of the weapon allegedly used to shoot the gardener on Thursday.
The severity of the new charges has complicated their legal situation. Their bail application, which was expected to be heard earlier this week, has now been postponed.
Mugabe and Matonhodze will remain in custody at a Johannesburg correctional facility until their bail application is heard on 3 March.
The court is expected to hear arguments regarding the flight risk posed by the accused and the seriousness of the amended charges.
FOLLOW US FOR REAL-TIME UPDATES:
· X (Twitter): @ZimGbc
· Instagram: @ZimGBCNews
· TikTok: @ZimGBCNews_01
· Facebook: Zim GBC News
· YouTube: Zim GBC News
Get real-time alerts on WhatsApp:
+263 773 820 323
For in-depth coverage, visit our website: www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective©2026