Former Zimbabwean President’s Son Arrested After Gardener Shot in Johannesburg

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, was taken into police custody in Johannesburg after a gardener was shot at the family home. The gardener remains in critical condition, and authorities have opened an attempted murder investigation.

The youngest son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, was taken into police custody on Thursday following a shooting incident at the family’s residence in Johannesburg. South African authorities have launched an attempted murder investigation after a gardener was shot at the property, leaving him in critical condition.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that two men, aged 33 and 24, were brought in for questioning but did not reveal their identities. South African media reports indicate that one of the suspects is Bellarmine, 29, and photographs circulating in the media show him handcuffed and being escorted by police officers. The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and investigators are working to determine the motive behind the attack.
The Mugabe family has a history of high-profile incidents in Johannesburg. The Mugabe brothers, Robert Jr. and Bellarmine, are known locally for their partying lifestyle. Their mother, Grace Mugabe—often referred to as “Gucci Grace”—has faced assault allegations in both South Africa and Zimbabwe in previous years. Additionally, Robert Jr. appeared in a Harare court in October on charges of cannabis possession, which he denies. The family’s presence in South Africa has often attracted media attention due to both their wealth and controversial actions.