Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe, the youngest son of late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, is expected to appear in court in South Africa facing an attempted murder charge following a shooting incident in Hyde Park, north of Johannesburg.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that the case stems from a shooting that left a 23-year-old gardener in critical condition in hospital.
Police Confirm Arrest of Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe and Attempted Murder Charge
In an initial statement, police said:
“The police will be investigating a case of attempted murder after a 23yr-old man was shot today, 19/02 at Hydepark.”
They added:
“According to information at hand, the victim is an employee at this residence and has been taken to hospital.”
Two men, aged 28 and 33, were taken in for questioning. In a later update, SAPS headquarters confirmed:
“The police can confirm that, the two men that were brought in for questioning in relation to a shooting that occured earlier today at Hydepark have been officially arrested and are expected to appear before Alexandra court soon on charges of attempted murder. Police investigations continue.”
The matter is expected to be heard at the Alexandra Magistrates Court.
Search for Missing Gun Suspended
Investigators have widened their probe after the firearm allegedly used in the shooting could not immediately be located.
Police divers were brought in to search the premises, including a swimming pool on the property. However, the weapon has still not been found and the search has since been suspended.
Reporting from the scene, SABC’s Chriselda Lewis said:
“Police have now widened their investigation looking for this missing gun, which is alleged to have been used here at this crime scene with a gardener at the home of the son of Zimbabwe’s former president, Robert Mugabe, where the shooting took place. Police divers, we understand, are now being brought in… I understand that the pool is going to be searched.”
Authorities have not yet disclosed the motive behind the shooting.
Grace Mugabe Reportedly Distressed as Chatunga Faces Murder Charge
Sources close to the Mugabe family say former First Lady Grace Mugabe is deeply distressed over her son’s arrest.
One source with close ties to the family said:
“She has been speaking to her children, telling them to behave. Because if you remember, the other son was arrested in Zimbabwe last year with dagga. And also, the very same son who is now arrested in South Africa, at some point in time, he made court appearances in Zimbabwe.”
Images of Chatunga in handcuffs have circulated widely online, intensifying public reaction in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.
What Happens Next?
The upcoming court appearance will determine whether the accused apply for bail and how the case proceeds. Prosecutors are expected to outline the State’s case as investigations continue.
The victim remains in critical condition in hospital.
As with all criminal proceedings, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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