Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of Zimbabwe’s late former president Robert Mugabe, appeared in a South African court on Monday, February 23, 2026, facing attempted murder charges following a shooting incident at his Johannesburg residence.
Court Proceedings
The 29-year-old, alongside co-accused Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze (33), also faces charges of defeating the ends of justice and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The charges stem from an incident last Thursday at Mugabe’s Hyde Park home, where a gardener was shot during what police described as an “altercation.” The victim remains hospitalized. Authorities confirmed that the firearm believed to have been used has not yet been recovered.
The pair appeared before the Alexandra Magistrates Court and are scheduled to return on March 3 for a formal bail application. Police say the motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
Family Background
Bellarmine is the son of Robert Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years until his ouster in 2017, and his wife Grace Mugabe. His elder brother, Robert Mugabe Jr, faced drug possession charges in Harare in October 2025.
The Mugabe brothers have developed a reputation in Johannesburg for lavish parties and unruly behavior. On Monday, the family issued a statement denying authorization for any spokesperson to represent them in relation to the case.
Conclusion
The case has drawn significant attention due to the Mugabe family’s prominence in Zimbabwean politics and their controversial reputation abroad. As court proceedings continue, South African authorities remain focused on uncovering the motive and securing the missing weapon linked to the shooting.
