South African police have arrested Bellarmine Mugabe, 28, the youngest son of Zimbabwe’s late former president Robert Mugabe, on an attempted murder charge after a shooting at a property in an upmarket Johannesburg suburb, authorities said Wednesday.
Police said a 23-year-old man believed to be a gardener was critically injured in the incident and remains hospitalized. Officers searching the house recovered bullet cartridges but did not find a firearm at the scene, the statement said.
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Another man was taken into custody as the investigation continues. Police said both suspects have not disclosed the location of the weapon. The two were expected to appear in court soon, and prosecutors had not immediately set a date.
Details released by law enforcement were limited. Police did not immediately provide a motive, identify the suburb or give the names of the other suspect or the injured man beyond his age and reported role at the property. Investigators said forensic teams were on site and the matter remained under active investigation.
Bellarmine Mugabe is the youngest son of Robert and Grace Mugabe. Robert Mugabe, who died in 2019, led Zimbabwe for 37 years before being forced from power in 2017 at age 93. Bellarmine has attracted attention in the past because of his family connection but has not previously been publicly linked to criminal charges in South Africa.
The arrest raises questions about jurisdiction and legal process. South African authorities handle criminal matters involving foreign nationals who are arrested on South African soil, and the suspects are subject to South African criminal procedure. Embassy officials have not been reported to have issued statements.
The case will likely proceed through an initial court appearance where prosecutors must formally charge the suspects and set bail or remand conditions. Under South African law, attempted murder is a serious offence that can carry lengthy prison terms if convicted.
News of the arrest prompted reactions on social media and among Zimbabwean expatriate communities in South Africa, with calls for a full and transparent investigation. Police urged anyone with information about the incident or the location of the firearm to come forward.
Further updates were expected as investigators continue to interview witnesses and review forensic evidence. Authorities advised the public that details could change as the inquiry progresses.
By News-room
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
