The youngest son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe is facing mounting legal trouble after being slapped with an additional charge in connection with a shooting at the family’s Hyde Park home in Johannesburg. Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe (29) appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning alongside his bodyguard, Tobias Matonhodze Mugabe (33). They are facing charges of attempted murder and defeating the ends of justice, with the additional charge stemming from the disappearance of the firearm allegedly used in the shooting.
The pair were arrested on Thursday following a shooting incident at the Mugabe property in which a staff member was wounded. Preliminary police investigations suggest that a labour dispute may have led to the incident. However, Mugabe has claimed that the injured man, whom he described as a security guard rather than a gardener, shot himself.
This is despite reports that the victim was shot in the back. Adding to the drama, reports have emerged that Mugabe collapsed twice while in police custody, allegedly due to a medical condition. Police said they responded swiftly and informed his legal representatives so that his medication could be brought to the holding cells.
Read Full Article on The Witness
[paywall]
This morning, the court was informed that his condition has since stabilised. Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said investigations were far from over and that the injured man remains in hospital. Investigators are waiting to obtain a full statement from him once his condition stabilises.
“The firearm that was used in the commission of the crime has not been found. Police are also investigating allegations that the crime scene may have been tampered with before officers arrived,” she said. The matter was postponed to March 3, to allow for a formal bail application. Mugabe and his co-accused remain in custody.
[/paywall]
All Zim News – Bringing you the latest news and updates.
