Johannesburg – Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of the late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, may avoid jail time after the gardening worker he allegedly shot at his Hyde Park, Johannesburg residence has reportedly suggested he cannot remember who pulled the trigger.
The 28‑year‑old was arrested on Thursday, 19 February 2026, following a dramatic shooting that left a 23‑year‑old gardener critically injured and fighting for life in a South African hospital. Police are treating the shooting case as attempted murder.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), two men, Mugabe and a 33‑year‑old acquaintance, were taken into custody and later formally charged. They are expected to appear before Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on attempted murder counts.
A key twist in the case emerged after initial statements from the injured gardener suggested he does not remember who shot him, raising questions about the prosecution’s ability to secure a conviction if his testimony remains uncertain. Police have recovered spent cartridges at the scene but the firearm allegedly used in the shooting has not yet been found, despite an intensive search involving divers and K‑9 units at the luxury Hyde Park property.
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What Happened and What Police Say
SAPS says officers were alerted to reports of gunfire just before 10 a.m. at the Hyde Park residence, a leafy suburb of Johannesburg known for high‑profile residents. Upon arrival, police found the gardener wounded and rushed him to hospital in critical condition.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that only a cartridge had been recovered and that the suspects had not cooperated fully with investigators, including failing to disclose where the firearm might be hidden. Nevhuhulwi told journalists:
“It was indicated that the gardener was shot and later taken to hospital. The circumstances remain sketchy and investigations continue.”
Neighbours told media they heard multiple gunshots that morning, and some said gunfire had been overheard at the property previously, though it was unclear whether those earlier reports were connected.
Mugabe’s Court Timeline and Legal Context
Chatunga and his co‑accused are scheduled to appear in court on Monday 23 February 2026 on attempted murder charges. Prosecutors must prove intent and identify the shooter, something complicated by the victim’s reported inability to recall the incident.
Legal analysts stress that South African courts rely heavily on witness testimony in attempted murder cases. Without a clear identification from the victim, the state may face challenges securing a conviction, especially if ballistic evidence, including the weapon, remains elusive.
There has also been public discussion about diplomatic immunity, but legal experts note that unless Mugabe holds active diplomatic status, immunity is unlikely to apply outside narrow circumstances, as seen in past legal disputes involving his family.
Family History and Public Reaction
This is not the first time a Mugabe family member has faced legal scrutiny. Chatunga previously faced assault charges in Zimbabwe in 2025 following a violent confrontation at a mining site, and his brother Robert Mugabe Jr was fined in 2025 for a separate offence.
Reactions in Zimbabwe have been mixed. Some residents argue that if Chatunga is guilty, he should face the full consequences of South African law, while others suggest his prominence complicates public perceptions. The ruling ZANU PF which is closely linked to the ANC party says it is waiting for a police statement so that they can respond to the case.
Missing Gun and Ongoing Search
Despite a comprehensive operation with SAPS divers and a canine unit combing the property, including the residence’s swimming pool, the firearm allegedly used remains missing. Police believe locating the weapon could be crucial to linking the suspects to the shooting beyond reasonable doubt.
With the gardener’s condition now stabilising but his memory unclear, and crucial physical evidence still unlocated, legal experts say Mugabe’s defence may argue for reduced charges, or even a possible acquittal if state evidence is insufficient.
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