Former President’s son charged with murder
The youngest son of Zimbabwe’s late former President Robert Mugabe has officially been charged with attempted murder following a brief court appearance in South Africa.
Bellarmine Mugabe, who is 28 years old, was arrested last week after a 23-year-old man was shot and injured at a property in a posh Johannesburg suburb last Thursday. He was taken into custody along with his bodyguard, but neither of them has made any comments regarding the charges.
Appearing in court, dressed in black, Mugabe looked calm during the proceedings.
Bellarmine is the youngest child of Robert Mugabe and his second wife, Grace. Robert Mugabe, who passed away in 2019, was at the helm of Zimbabwe for an impressive 37 years before being ousted from power at the age of 93 in 2017.
Police investigating the shooting in the Hyde Park area have recovered several bullet casings from the scene, providing important evidence as efforts to trace the events continue. Authorities confirmed that forensic teams carefully combed the location shortly after the incident, collecting materials believed to be linked to the gunfire.
However, officers have not yet recovered the firearm used in the attack, raising concerns that the suspect may still be in possession of the weapon.
Detectives are appealing to residents and anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity to come forward with information that could assist ongoing investigations and help establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Mugabe and 33-year-old Tobias Tamirepi Matonhodze are also facing extra charges, including obstructing justice, which is tied to the missing gun, according to prosecutors.
The victim is currently hospitalized and in critical condition.
Outside the court, Mugabe’s lawyer, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, shared an update on his client’s status, telling reporters that he is “fine” while remaining in custody.
Prosecutors have described the events surrounding the shooting, claiming that “an altercation took place between the victim and the accused inside Mugabe’s home.”
As the victim tried to escape, they were reportedly “shot in the back and fell outside the gate,” after which the gate was closed, according to a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority.
The proceedings against Mugabe and Matonhodze have been postponed until March 3, when a bail application will be presented.
Former President’s son charged with murder
