Mugabe Mansion Shooting: Bellarmine Chatunga Breaks Silence – What Really Happened?

Johannesburg, South Africa – Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of the late Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, finds himself embroiled in a serious legal battle following his arrest on Thursday, 19 February 2026, for attempted murder. The incident, a shooting at his opulent Hyde Park residence in Johannesburg, has cast a fresh spotlight on the controversial Mugabe family and their continued presence in South Africa.

The 28-year-old Mugabe, along with a 33-year-old bodyguard, was taken into custody after a 23-year-old employee, initially identified as a gardener and later as a security guard, sustained two gunshot wounds to the back. The victim was subsequently rushed to hospital. Police swiftly responded to the scene, initiating a comprehensive investigation that included K9 units, Bramley Police Station detectives, and Forensic Crime Scene Management. Their search of the property and three neighbouring houses, however, yielded no firearm, though multiple spent ammunition cartridges of various calibres were recovered.

A Contested Narrative: Self-Inflicted Wounds or Attempted Murder?

At the heart of the investigation lies a starkly contrasting narrative. Bellarmine Mugabe has reportedly claimed to police that the security guard, whom he had allegedly fired earlier in the week for performing “traditional rituals” on the property, had shot himself during a scuffle. According to Bellarmine’s account, the guard then fled the premises, taking the firearm with him. He further suggested that the guard had accomplices waiting outside the property who assisted in his escape and the removal of the weapon.

However, police investigators remain sceptical of this version of events, particularly given that the victim was shot twice in the back. Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, a Gauteng police spokesperson, confirmed the arrests and the ongoing investigation into a case of attempted murder. She stated, “The K9 Unit, Bramley Police Station detectives and Forensic Crime Scene Management are processing the scene and two men, aged 28 and 33 years, have been taken in for questioning. The motive of the shooting is unknown at this stage and police investigations are under way” .

The Mugabe Mansion: A Haven for Loyalists and a Hub of Controversy

The Hyde Park residence itself, a sprawling property described as a “home away from Zimbabwe,” is reportedly occupied by 25 to 30 individuals, many of whom are loyalists of the late former president. These individuals are said to have either been banished from Zimbabwe, fallen out with the current Emmerson Mnangagwa regime, or perceive their lives to be in danger.

This detail adds another layer of intrigue to the incident, suggesting a complex social and political dynamic within the Mugabe household in Johannesburg.

Grace Mugabe: A Mother’s Concern, A Fugitive’s Dilemma

The incident has also brought the spotlight back on Bellarmine’s mother, Grace Mugabe, who is currently residing in Singapore. Despite her reported concern for her son and her desire for him to return to Zimbabwe due to his “misbehaving” in South Africa, she is unable to travel to the country. Grace Mugabe is a fugitive from South African justice, with an outstanding arrest warrant issued in December 2018.

This warrant stems from a 2017 incident where she allegedly assaulted model Gabriella Engels with an electrical extension cord at a Sandton hotel. Grace Mugabe had initially been granted diplomatic immunity, but this was later overturned, paving the way for her potential extradition to face charges.

The irony of the situation is not lost on observers: a mother unable to assist her son in his time of need due to her own legal entanglements in the very country where he now faces serious charges.

A Pattern of Troubles: Bellarmine and Robert Jr.

This is not the first time a Mugabe son has made headlines for brushes with the law. Bellarmine’s older brother, Robert Mugabe Jr., was fined $300 in October 2025 in Harare for possession of marijuana. Robert Jr. was also present during the 2017 Sandton hotel incident involving his mother and Gabriella Engels. These incidents paint a picture of a family seemingly accustomed to controversy and legal challenges.

Further Allegations and Extortion Claims

Adding to Bellarmine’s woes, a neighbour has come forward with a separate allegation, claiming that Bellarmine had previously pointed a firearm at him at The Zone mall in Rosebank. The neighbour reportedly approached police during the raid and arrest, stating he had video footage of the incident and intended to open a case. However, Bellarmine’s lawyer, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, and the family have dismissed this as a potential extortion attempt, with police also expressing scepticism due to the lack of a prior criminal charge for the alleged mall incident.

Medical Concerns and Legal Strategy

Amidst the unfolding drama, it has been reported that Bellarmine fainted twice while in custody, with his medical condition being communicated to the police, who were advised to ensure he received his medication. His legal team is now focused on securing his release on bail when he appears before the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court. However, his mother’s fugitive status could potentially complicate bail proceedings, as it might lead the court to view Bellarmine as a flight risk.

As the investigation continues, the Mugabe family once again finds itself at the centre of public scrutiny, with a complex web of allegations, past controversies, and legal battles unfolding in Johannesburg. The outcome of Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe’s case will undoubtedly be closely watched, not only in South Africa but across the continent