JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — The youngest son of Zimbabwe’s late President Robert Mugabe has been formally charged with attempted murder following a shooting incident at his upmarket residence in Johannesburg, authorities confirmed.
Bellarmine “Chatunga” Mugabe, 28, appeared before the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Monday after being arrested last Thursday at his Hyde Park property in northern Johannesburg. He and a co‑accused, a 33‑year‑old man, face attempted murder charges over the shooting of a 23‑year‑old gardener, who remains in critical condition in hospital.
Gauteng Police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that while investigators have recovered bullet cartridges from the scene, the firearm allegedly used in the attack has not yet been found. The pair also face a possible additional charge of defeating the ends of justice linked to the missing weapon, police said.
“The firearm that was used in the commission of the crime has not been found,” Nevhuhulwi told reporters. “…the two suspects… have been arrested for attempted murder and defeating the ends of justice, since the firearm has not been found.”
Incident and investigation
Police were called to the Hyde Park residence on 19 February after private security alerted officers to the shooting. The gardener, employed at the property, suffered two gunshot wounds and was rushed to hospital, where he remains under medical care as authorities pursue the investigation.
Officers, including forensic teams and a K9 unit, searched the property for the missing firearm but were unsuccessful.
Law enforcement sources said the absence of the weapon has complicated the case, although forensic evidence such as gunshot residue testing is being used to build the prosecution’s file.
The co‑accused remains in custody alongside Mugabe as the legal process unfolds, with both men expected back in court for further proceedings.
In the aftermath of the arrest, the Mugabe family released a statement through their lawyers distancing themselves from unauthorised media communications. The family’s legal representatives said they had not appointed any spokespersons or public relations team to speak on their behalf.
“We have not appointed, authorised or mandated any public relations team, media consultants or spokesperson to speak on our behalf,” the statement read, urging media enquiries to be directed to legal counsel.
Public and legal reactions
The high‑profile nature of the case, involving the son of one of Africa’s most recognised political figures, has drawn public attention and commentary.
Civil society observers in South Africa have stressed the importance of ensuring the matter is treated without preferential treatment to uphold the integrity of the justice system.
“Crime, and especially violent crime, is out of hand in the country, especially where guns are involved… The victim must get justice,” said Dennis Bloem, a spokesperson for an activists’ forum monitoring the case.
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Bellarmine Mugabe is the youngest son of Robert Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe for nearly four decades before his ousting in 2017 and subsequent death in 2019.
Mugabe’s family has previously attracted media attention for controversies involving family members in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The legal proceedings now underway in Johannesburg highlight the challenges faced by criminal justice authorities in investigating serious violent incidents involving prominent figures.
Police continue to appeal for public patience as they trace the missing firearm and finalise evidence ahead of further court dates.
