The youngest son of Zimbabwe’s late former president Robert Mugabe has been formally charged with attempted murder following a brief court appearance in South Africa.
Bellarmine Mugabe, 28, was arrested last week after a 23-year-old man was shot and seriously injured at a private residence in the affluent Johannesburg suburb of Hyde Park on Thursday. He was taken into custody alongside his bodyguard, Tobias Tamirepi Matonhodze, 33. Neither man has publicly commented on the allegations.
Appearing in court dressed in black, Bellarmine Mugabe remained composed as the charges were read out. He is expected to reappear next week for a bail hearing.
Bellarmine is the youngest child of Robert Mugabe and his second wife Grace Mugabe. Robert Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years, was removed from power in 2017 at the age of 93 and died two years later, in 2019.
Shooting investigation
Police searching the Hyde Park property where the shooting occurred recovered spent bullet cartridges but have not yet found the firearm believed to have been used, according to investigators.
Prosecutors say Bellarmine Mugabe and Matonhodze are facing additional charges, including defeating the ends of justice, linked to the missing weapon. The victim remains in hospital in critical condition.
Speaking to reporters outside court, Mugabe’s lawyer Sinenhlanhla Mnguni said his client was “fine” and coping while in custody.
Prosecutors’ account
According to South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority, the shooting followed an argument inside Mugabe’s home.
In a statement, prosecutors alleged that “an altercation occurred between the victim and the accused inside Mugabe’s residence.” The victim reportedly attempted to flee but was allegedly “shot in the back and collapsed outside the gate,” after which the gate was closed.
The case against Mugabe and Matonhodze has been postponed until 3 March, when the court is expected to hear a bail application.
