A bail hearing kicks off today for the late Robert Mugabe's youngest son after a shooting at the family's upscale Johannesburg property.
Bellarmine Mugabe's charges
Why this case is grabbing headlines
Bellarmine Mugabe's charges
- Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, 28, faces attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, and illegal firearm possession.
- His co-accused, Tobias Matonhodze, 33, is believed to be a bodyguard or close associate.
- Both are Zimbabwean nationals and have been locked up since 23 February.
- Alexandra Magistrates' Court is handling the bail application today.
- A 23-year-old worker at the property got shot in the back on 19 February.
- He collapsed outside the gate after fleeing an argument inside the house.
- Someone reportedly shut the gate behind the victim as he fell.
- Hospital staff is still treating him in critical condition.
- Police recovered spent cartridges, but the actual gun has vanished.
- Evidence-tampering suspicions triggered the defeating justice charge.
- Forensic testing on the recovered cartridges is still underway.
- Prosecutors plan to oppose bail over flight risk and witness interference.
Why this case is grabbing headlines
- Robert Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years before his 2017 removal.
- Mugabe family properties and business ties in South Africa run deep.
- Questions about Bellarmine's immigration status may surface during proceedings.
- The victim, being an ordinary household worker, has resonated with South Africans.
