Bellarmine Mugabe to face attempted murder charges in Joburg

Gunfire at a Hyde Park mansion left a young gardener fighting for his life and shoved Robert Mugabe’s son straight into a South African courtroom.

Court date and charges

• Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe is heading to Alexandra Magistrates’ Court in Johannesburg on Monday.
• An arrest followed an alleged shooting at the Mugabe family’s Hyde Park property.
• Prosecutors are lining up attempted murder counts against Mugabe and another man.
• Police are still hunting for the firearm tied to the incident.

Victim and investigation fallout

• A 23-year-old gardener remains hospitalized in critical condition.
• Authorities claim the shot went off during a clash at the house.
• Investigators have not wrapped up their probe yet.
• Officers continue searching for the missing gun.

Legal response from Mugabe camp

• Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, representing Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, said they cannot speak until the probe is done.
• Ashel Mugiya confirmed the family knows about the arrest.
• Mugiya explained that Zimbabwean lawyers cannot act in South African courts.
• South African attorneys, he added, are better placed to address updates.

Public reaction and criticism

• Knowledge Mbewe from Harare argued that jail is fair if Mugabe is guilty.
• Mbewe floated self-defense, mentioning widespread gun access in South Africa.
• Precious Shumba blasted the Mugabe sons for acting like rules do not apply.
• Shumba stressed that South Africa enforces its laws and respects people’s dignity.