Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe Arrested In South Africa After Gardener Shooting

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of the late former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, was arrested by South African police on Thursday after a gardener was shot and left in a critical condition at an upmarket Hyde Park residence in Johannesburg, South Africa.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), officers took two men into custody for questioning in connection with the shooting at the property where Mugabe lives. A police search for the firearm believed to have been used is ongoing, with a cartridge recovered that will be used as evidence in the investigation.

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the victim, employed at the home as a gardener, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. The suspects are expected to face attempted murder charges once investigations conclude.

The incident reportedly sparked a lengthy negotiation with police after occupants initially refused to open the property, delaying investigations. Authorities have not yet officially confirmed whether Mugabe himself fired the weapon, but he was arrested at the scene during the police operation.

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Chatunga Mugabe Arrested in South Africa Adding To Prior Controversies and Behaviour

Chatunga Mugabe, now 29, has been in the spotlight before:

In 2025, he and two bodyguards were arrested and later released on bail over a violent clash at a mining site in Mazowe, where security guards were left seriously injured after an alleged assault.

In September 2024, a warrant was issued in Zimbabwe after he failed to appear in court on charges of disorderly conduct and possession of a prohibited knife following an altercation with police at a Beitbridge roadblock.

Previous public incidents include accusations of aggressive conduct and confrontations with law enforcement, reinforcing his controversial profile in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The SAPS investigation is ongoing, and further updates, including formal charges, are expected as detectives complete forensic work and questioning.