Joseph Isangura
The youngest son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, Bellarmine Mugabe, has been charged with attempted murder following a shooting that left a young man fighting for his life in South Africa.
The 28-year-old appeared in court days after his arrest, which came after a 23-year-old victim was shot at a private property in an upscale suburb of Johannesburg. Emergency services rushed the victim to hospital, where he remains in critical condition as doctors continue treatment.
Bellarmine Mugabe was not alone in the dock. He appeared alongside Tobias Tamirepi Matonhodze, 33, who faces the same charge. So far, neither of the accused has made a public statement regarding the allegations, and their legal teams are expected to present their defense as the case moves forward.
According to investigators, the case is still in its early stages. The South African Police Service confirmed that officers are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses to establish exactly what happened on the day of the shooting. Authorities say the findings will play a key role in determining the direction of the prosecution.
The incident has attracted significant public attention, largely because of Mugabe’s family name. His father, Robert Mugabe, was one of Africa’s most well-known and controversial leaders, ruling Zimbabwe for 37 years before leaving power in 2017. Because of that legacy, any legal case involving his family tends to draw regional and international interest.
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Legal experts say attempted murder is among the most serious criminal charges under South African law. If convicted, those found guilty could face lengthy prison sentences. However, they emphasize that the court process is designed to ensure fairness and that the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The court is expected to continue hearing the case in the coming weeks, when more details may emerge about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. For now, the focus remains on the victim’s recovery and the legal process that will determine responsibility.
As the investigation continues, the case serves as a reminder of how quickly personal disputes can escalate into serious criminal matters — and how the justice system must carefully examine the facts before reaching its final judgment.
