The youngest Robert Mugabe son, Bellarmine Mugabe, has been charged with attempted murder in South Africa after a 23-year-old man was shot at a property in Johannesburg last week.
The 28-year-old appeared before a South African court following his arrest in an upmarket suburb of the city.
Police confirmed the incident happened in Johannesburg and said the victim remains in a critical condition in the hospital. The case has now been postponed until 3 March for a bail application.
The charges have drawn international attention due to Bellarmine’s family background.
He is the youngest son of Zimbabwe’s former president, Robert Mugabe, who ruled the country for 37 years until he was removed from office in 2017.
Who is Bellarmine Mugabe?
Bellarmine Mugabe, 28, was arrested alongside his bodyguard after the shooting at a private property in an affluent Johannesburg suburb.
South African prosecutors confirmed that both men face:
- Attempted murder
- Defeating the ends of justice
- An additional related charge linked to the missing firearm
Police officers searching the property recovered bullet cartridges, but investigators said they have not yet located the firearm allegedly used in the shooting.
“Defeating the ends of justice” in South African law generally refers to actions that obstruct or interfere with a police investigation. In this case, prosecutors say it relates to the disappearance of the weapon.
Neither Bellarmine Mugabe nor his bodyguard has publicly commented on the charges.
What happened during the Johannesburg shooting?
Authorities say the incident took place last week at a property in one of Johannesburg’s more exclusive neighbourhoods.
A 23-year-old man was shot and rushed to the hospital. Officials confirmed he remains in critical condition.
South African police have not released further details about the motive behind the shooting. They also have not confirmed whether the suspect and the victim knew each other before the incident.
The case was formally presented in court, where proceedings were briefly heard before being postponed until 3 March, when a bail application will be considered.
Why does this case matter internationally?
The story has gained widespread coverage because Bellarmine is the son of Robert Mugabe, a figure who shaped Zimbabwean politics for nearly four decades.
Robert Mugabe led Zimbabwe from 1980 until 2017, when the military intervened and forced him to resign. He died in 2019 at the age of 95.
Bellarmine “Chatunga” Mugabe, son of late Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, appeared at Alexandra Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg alongside co-accused Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze. They face charges of attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, pointing a firearm, and… pic.twitter.com/0kptPiTFLT
— newsnote (@newsnoteSA) February 23, 2026
Although this case is being handled entirely within South Africa’s legal system, it has sparked debate across southern Africa about privilege, political legacies, and accountability.
How does the South African legal process work in attempted murder cases?
Under South African criminal law, attempted murder carries severe penalties if the accused is convicted. Courts assess:
- Evidence linking the accused to the shooting
- Intent to cause serious harm or death
- Ballistic and forensic findings
- Witness testimony
The bail hearing on 3 March will determine whether Bellarmine Mugabe and his bodyguard remain in custody while awaiting trial.
In high-profile cases, South African courts often impose strict bail conditions, including travel restrictions and regular reporting to authorities.
What happens next?
The next key date is 3 March, when the bail application will be heard. Prosecutors are expected to outline their evidence, including forensic findings from the scene.
Investigators continue searching for the missing firearm, which could play a central role in the case.
If bail is granted, both accused could be released under conditions while the case proceeds. If denied, they will remain in custody pending further hearings.
