Robert Mugabe‘s son arrested in South Africa has become the latest international headline after Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe was taken into custody following a shooting incident at a residence in Johannesburg’s upscale Hyde Park suburb. South African police confirmed that the arrest was made on February 19, 2026, after officers responded to reports of gunfire at the property, where a 23-year-old gardener was found critically injured.
According to police statements, officers responded to emergency calls around midday reporting shots fired at the property. Upon arrival, they found a 23-year-old gardener with gunshot wounds. The victim was rushed to hospital and remains in critical condition as investigations continue.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said that Mugabe, believed to be 28 or 29 years old, and a 33-year-old suspect were taken into custody at the scene. A spent cartridge was recovered, and K9 units were deployed to search for the firearm, which has not yet been located. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the motive behind the shooting and stated that investigations are ongoing.
Robert Mugabe’s son arrested in South Africa. Investigation Ongoing
Officials are working to determine what led to the alleged altercation between Mugabe and the victim. Early reports suggest there may have been an argument prior to the shooting, but police have not confirmed specific details about who fired the weapon.
Photographs circulated by media outlets show Mugabe in handcuffs being escorted to a police vehicle outside the Hyde Park property. Legal representatives are expected to address the court proceedings in the coming days, with the next court appearance likely to provide further clarity on formal charges.
Background on the Mugabe Family
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe is the son of Robert Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years before being removed from power in 2017 and later died in 2019. The Mugabe family has previously faced public scrutiny in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.
His mother, Grace Mugabe, was involved in a widely reported assault case in Johannesburg in 2017. His older brother, Robert Mugabe Jr., has also faced legal issues in recent years. However, authorities have emphasized that the current case is being handled independently under South African law.
Legal Process and Next Steps
South Africa’s justice system is regarded as independent, and legal experts say the case will proceed according to established procedures regardless of the accused’s political connections. Mugabe remains in custody as investigators gather further evidence.
The condition of the injured gardener remains critical, and police have urged the public to allow the legal process to unfold without speculation. Further updates are expected following Mugabe’s court appearance.
As the Hyde Park Shootout investigation continues, the case has once again placed the Mugabe name in international headlines, with many closely watching how South African authorities handle the high-profile matter.
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