Mugabe's Son Charged After Johannesburg Shooting
Bellarmine Mugabe and a co-accused face attempted murder and weapons-related charges after a gardener was shot at a Johannesburg property; a bail hearing is set for 3 March.
Overview
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, aged 28 to 29, and Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze, 33, appeared in Alexandra Magistrates Court on Monday charged with attempted murder following a shooting at Mugabe's Johannesburg home.
The two also face charges of defeating the ends of justice and unlawful possession of a firearm, prosecutors said, and police say the firearm used has not been found since their arrest last Thursday.
Police identified the wounded man as the home's gardener, who is hospitalized and in critical condition, and prosecutors said an 'altercation' occurred between the victim and the accused inside the property.
Bellarmine is the youngest son of former President Robert Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe for 37 years, was deposed in a coup in 2017, and died at age 95.
The two appeared in Alexandra Magistrates Court and the case was postponed until 3 March when they will make a formal bail application and remain in custody.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources report this story with factual, restrained language, listing charges, court dates, ages and police statements without evaluative adjectives. They attribute contested details (an “altercation”) to police, include relevant background on Robert Mugabe, and avoid selective emphasis or omitted viewpoints, producing a neutral, information-focused account.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe is the youngest son of Zimbabwe's late former President Robert Mugabe and his second wife Grace Mugabe, aged 28 or 29.
They face charges of attempted murder under the doctrine of common purpose, defeating the ends of justice, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, theft, and contravention of the Immigration Act.
An altercation occurred between the victim, the home's gardener, and the accused inside the property; the victim was assaulted, attempted to flee, was shot in the back, and collapsed outside the gate.
The gardener, aged 23, is hospitalized in critical condition; the firearm used in the shooting has not been found despite searches.
The case was postponed to 3 March 2026 for a formal bail application, and both accused remain in custody.
History
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