Global Edition
Global Edition
UK Edition
EU Edition
US Edition

Understand the story, not the spin.

Markets

Mugabe's Son Detained in Johannesburg Gardener Shooting

Published 19 February 2026

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of Zimbabwe's late former president Robert Mugabe, was detained for questioning along with another man following the shooting of a 23-year-old gardener at a residence in Johannesburg's upscale Hyde Park suburb on Thursday.

South African police are investigating the incident as a case of attempted murder. The victim, an employee at the property, was hospitalized in critical condition after sustaining a gunshot wound during an altercation. Authorities responded to the scene after a security officer reported the shooting, deploying forensics teams, detectives and canine units to search the premises. Officers recovered several spent cartridges inside the house but have not located the firearm.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the two men, who are not South African citizens and include Mugabe, aged 29, were taken into custody for further inquiry. She emphasized that no formal arrests or charges have been announced pending the outcome of questioning. "We don't know who shot and who was shot at, and where is the firearm," Nevhuhulwi stated. "Hence, we are taking them for questioning." Police indicated the...

Now playing
0:00 / 0:00