Gunshot Residue Tests Conducted: Chatunga Mugabe Faces Court Tomorrow Over Gardener’s Shooting
Johannesburg • February 22, 2026
Judgment Day Looms. Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe (28), the youngest son of Zimbabwe’s late former president Robert Mugabe, is set for a high-stakes appearance at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning. Following the violent February 19 shooting of a gardener at a luxury Hyde Park residence, Chatunga and a 33-year-old co-accused now face formal attempted murder charges. Despite the suspects’ reported "health scares" over the weekend, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is expected to proceed with the first appearance tomorrow.
| The First Appearance: Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe will face a magistrate tomorrow to answer for the Hyde Park shooting. |
The Science of the Case. In a major investigative push, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has pivoted toward forensic evidence as the search for the actual firearm hits a stalemate. With the weapon still missing, authorities are relying on Gunshot Residue (GSR) analysis to provide the "smoking gun." These tests are critical in determining which individual discharged the weapon during the altercation. As the victim remains in critical condition under heavy guard, the forensic results could dictate whether the state will oppose bail for the Mugabe socialite.
Forensic Update
Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni confirmed that both suspects underwent GSR testing. "The forensic lab results will be central to the docket presented tomorrow morning," he stated.
Hunting for Proof
With the firearm still missing despite divers searching the property's pool, police are relying on forensic science. Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni confirmed that both Mugabe and the second suspect underwent testing for gunshot residue.
These tests detect microscopic metal particles expelled when a firearm is discharged, which can remain on a shooter’s hands, face, and clothing—potentially identifying who fired the shot.
Police have been unable to recover the firearm used in the shooting at the Hyde Park home. The absence of the weapon remains the biggest hurdle for the prosecution as they head into Monday’s hearing.
Critical Condition
The 23-year-old victim, who sustained a single gunshot wound, is reportedly in critical condition. He had previously worked as a gardener at the property but had been absent for several months.
“Apparently he did not come to work for some time and there was an altercation regarding that,” revealed Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.
Illegal Modifications
Adding to the legal woes, police seized a vehicle at the property which they said had been illegally fitted with police sirens and white lights. This discovery has raised further questions about the activities occurring at the residence.
A Pattern of Trouble
Mugabe’s arrest is the latest in a string of legal troubles. In August 2024, he was arrested for disorderly conduct at a police checkpoint along the Beitbridge-Harare highway, where officers found him in possession of a knife.
In June 2025, he was arrested after allegedly leading a violent assault on illegal gold miners in Mazowe, where several people reportedly suffered broken limbs.
Chatunga and his brother, Robert Junior, have drawn repeated public scrutiny, living lifestyles that contrast sharply with the austere image cultivated by their late father.
During the 2024 roadside incident, authorities alleged that Mugabe became confrontational when stopped by officers conducting routine inspections.
He was briefly detained before appearing in court, where the matter was handled under charges related to disorderly conduct and possession of a dangerous weapon.
The June 2025 arrest stemmed from claims that he led a group that confronted suspected illegal gold miners in Mazowe.
Reports indicated that several victims sustained serious injuries, including broken limbs, prompting police to open an assault case and launch a broader investigation.
Both Chatunga and his brother, Robert Junior, have frequently appeared in headlines for their lavish lifestyles and social media presence.
The contrast between their public image and the disciplined political persona of their late father has fueled debate and ongoing public criticism.
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