Mugabe’s Son Arrested In South Africa For Gardener Shooting

Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe has been arrested at his Johannesburg home.

The son of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is reportedly one of two suspects who had been arrested on Thursday at the Mugabe residence in Hyde Park, Johannesburg.

Speaking to the media outside the premises, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that the two suspects would be taken into custody and questioned as part of an attempted murder investigation.

Police were flagged down on Thursday morning by private security who relayed that a shooting had taken place on the Mugabe property.

The victim was initially believed to be a security guard, but Nevhuhulwi confirmed that preliminary investigations state he was a 23-year-old gardener.

Early information from the scene suggests an alleged labour dispute between the gardener and one of the suspects led to the violent exchange.

Police state that the number of shots fired had not been confirmed, but a cartridge had been found at the scene.

“We have our dog unit inside, and some of our officers inside searching for the firearm.

“The victim has been taken to hospital. It was indicated that he is in a critical condition, but we are hoping that he will be fine,” said the colonel.

Television news crews showed footage of police officers handcuffing Mugabe and the second suspect shortly before 1pm.

Initial reports stated that Mugabe had barricaded himself in his room, but Nevhuhulwi confirmed he and his companion were cooperating with authorities.

“Bramley station detectives and Forensic Crime Scene Management are processing the scene and two men, aged 28 and 33, have been taken in for questioning,” police stated.

Confirmation that the men had been formally charged with attempted murder was released on Thursday evening, with the men set for a court appearance at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Monday.