By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The case against Bellarmine Mugabe and his co-accused, Tobias Tamirepi Matonhodze, has been postponed to March 24 at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg due to the absence of a senior prosecutor.
The pair appeared on Tuesday for a plea hearing, where State prosecutor Lufuno Maphiri said more than 90% of the plea agreement had been finalised.
However, the matter could not proceed.
Defence lawyer Sinenhlanhla Mnguni told the media that discussions around a possible custodial sentence were ongoing, describing the stage of negotiations as delicate and focused primarily on the charges.
“I think you heard the prosecution stating that we’re almost 98% of our way there,” Mnguni said.
“So I don’t think I can, at this stage, say anything regarding what we’re considering in terms of any sentence or related matters.”
The accused remain in custody and face charges including attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, contravention of the Immigration Act, and two additional counts of pointing a firearm linked to a separate incident.
Meanwhile, ActionSA supporters protested outside the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, chanting that South Africa is not for illegal foreigners.
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba addressed the media outside court, reiterating his party’s opposition to illegal immigration and maintaining a firm stance on the issue.
Mashaba referenced the Immigration Act charge against Mugabe and Matonhodze, alleging they had entered the country to commit crimes.
“We believe and expect our criminal justice system to mete out the harshest punishment,” Mashaba said.
“We hope they are not rewarded because, over the past few years, criminal elements—Nigerians, Pakistanis—without proper documentation are getting paid.”
He also called for a more effective criminal justice system and argued that plea bargains should be abolished.
“This guy committed serious, heinous crimes. They are in our country illegally,” he said.
“They’ve nearly killed someone. They’ve not, even today, produced the firearm that was used.”
Mashaba warned that any plea deal approved by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) could undermine the integrity of the justice system and constitute an injustice to law-abiding South Africans.
An ActionSA Ward 81 chairperson echoed these sentiments, claiming undocumented foreigners were straining resources meant for citizens.
“We can’t allow that. South Africa must be a country of law-abiding citizens,” he said.
He added that Mashaba, a mayoral candidate in Johannesburg, intends to enforce immigration laws strictly and that the party would back him.
“Whatever the media or government does against him, we will rally behind him to ensure that all illegal foreigners are deported to their countries.”
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