Johannesburg — Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, son of the late former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, has been arrested in South Africa following a shocking shooting incident at his upscale Hyde Park residence.
The incident reportedly unfolded around midday at the multi-million-rand property in one of Johannesburg’s most exclusive suburbs. According to early reports, a heated confrontation broke out between Mugabe and an employee at the home. What began as a verbal dispute quickly escalated into gunfire, leaving one worker seriously injured.
Employee Shot, Rushed to Hospital
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, where a 23-year-old employee — believed to be a gardener — was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition and remains under close medical supervision.
Authorities say the argument intensified before Mugabe allegedly produced a firearm and fired several shots. The exact details surrounding the incident are still under investigation, with police yet to confirm the number of shots fired. Forensic teams combed the property for evidence, recovering spent cartridges believed to be linked to the shooting.
Hours-Long Standoff Before Arrest
The situation reportedly escalated further when officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrived. Mugabe is said to have locked himself inside a room and refused to surrender.
Specialist police units, including negotiators, were called in to defuse the tense situation. After hours of negotiations, Mugabe eventually surrendered and was taken into custody. Videos circulating online show him being escorted away in handcuffs under heavy police presence.
Police have confirmed the matter is being investigated as attempted murder. Further charges could follow pending ballistic testing, witness statements, and the outcome of ongoing investigations. Authorities have also indicated that the firearm allegedly used in the shooting has not yet been recovered.
Grace Mugabe Unable to Travel
The arrest has drawn widespread attention in both Zimbabwe and South Africa due to Mugabe’s high-profile family background. Reports indicate that former First Lady Grace Mugabe has been informed of her son’s arrest. However, she is reportedly unable to travel to South Africa because of an outstanding 2017 arrest warrant linked to a previous alleged assault case in Johannesburg.
Legal Battle Ahead
Legal analysts say the case will now proceed through the South African court system. If formally charged and convicted of attempted murder, Mugabe could face serious legal consequences.
Meanwhile, residents of Hyde Park have expressed shock over the incident, describing it as highly unusual for the typically secure and quiet neighbourhood.
Investigations remain ongoing as police review surveillance footage, conduct ballistic analysis, and interview witnesses to determine exactly what led to the confrontation.
For now, Chatunga Mugabe remains in police custody as authorities prepare the case for court proceedings.
Source: News365.co.za
