Chatunga Charged: Mugabe's Son Faces Attempted Murder Charge After Hyde Park Shooting
Alexandra Magistrates Court • February 19, 2026
A Legacy in Trouble. Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe, the youngest son of Zimbabwe’s late former President Robert Mugabe, has been officially arrested and charged with attempted murder. The charges stem from a shooting incident involving a gardener at his upscale Hyde Park residence in Johannesburg. SAPS confirmed that Mugabe and a 33-year-old accomplice remain in custody pending their court appearance.
| The Accused: Chatunga Mugabe is expected to appear in court within 48 hours. |
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the quiet upmarket suburb, with police racing to the scene after receiving reports of gunfire. The victim, a 23-year-old gardener employed at the property, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition after being shot once.
The Charge
Attempted Murder. SAPS confirmed the victim is in critical condition and a firearm investigation is underway.
The Hyde Park Shooting
According to Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the altercation stemmed from a labour dispute. "It was alleged the victim had failed to come to work, and that there was a squabble over this," she stated.
Victim Status: The 23-year-old gardener was shot once and is fighting for his life in a nearby hospital.
The scene was dramatic, with police hostage negotiators rushing to the Hyde Park home after initial reports suggested the suspect had barricaded himself inside a room. Both Chatunga and a 33-year-old accomplice were eventually arrested without further violence.
The Search for Evidence
Despite the arrests, a major piece of evidence is missing. Colonel Nevhuhulwi confirmed: "At the moment, we do not have the firearm." A police dog unit has been deployed to search the sprawling property for the weapon.
Police have recovered the cartridge ejected during the shooting. This forensic evidence will be crucial in the investigation as they attempt to link the shooting to the suspects.
A History of Conflict
This is not Chatunga's first run-in with the law. His legal troubles have been mounting over the last two years:
- September 2024: Arrested for disorderly conduct at a Beitbridge roadblock, allegedly brandishing a knife at a police officer.
- June 2025: Faced assault charges following a violent incident at a mining site in Mazowe.
The Mugabe brothers are no strangers to controversy in South Africa. His brother, Robert Mugabe Jnr, has also faced a string of arrests in the country, including previous charges of assault and drug possession.
Match Panels to Inverter
Tips for optimal system performance.
3.5kVA Inverter Load Guide
Explore residential setup capabilities.
Best Solar Panels Zimbabwe
Analysis of performance and durability.
Solar Companies Zimbabwe
Customer service and reliability.
Best Solar Panel Brands
Guide for home and business solutions.
Solar Installers Zimbabwe
Professional and certified installers.
3kVA System Cost Guide
Get pricing information for Zimbabwe.
5kVA System Cost Guide
Budget requirements for systems.
David (Solar Sales)