Gun Mystery Deepens: Chatunga Dragged Back To Scene As Police Drain Pool In Vain
Johannesburg • February 20, 2026
A Frantic Search. In a dramatic turn of events, Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe (28) was transported back to his family’s lavish Hyde Park residence on Friday afternoon. The suspect, currently in custody for attempted murder, was escorted by officers to the crime scene as part of a desperate bid to locate the missing firearm used to shoot his gardener. Despite deploying sniffer dogs, specialised divers, and even draining the swimming pool, the weapon remains nowhere to be found.
| Dead End: Police brought the suspect back to the property on Friday, but the search yielded no weapon. |
Search Failure
"Divers were brought in to drain the swimming pool where police thought the gun could be. Police have still not been able to locate the gun." — Heidi Giokos, eNCA Reporter.
Suspect on Scene
eNCA reporter Heidi Giokos confirmed the stunning development on Friday afternoon. Police brought the handcuffed Chatunga back to the home, hoping he would reveal the location of the firearm used to shoot the 23-year-old employee on Thursday.
“eNCA understands that the son of Former President Robert Mugabe... was brought back to the home on Friday afternoon,” Giokos reported on X.
Investigators combed through the property for several hours, focusing on outbuildings, vehicles, and surrounding garden areas. Officers were seen photographing key areas and marking potential evidence points.
Authorities believe the weapon may have been concealed somewhere on the premises shortly after the shooting incident.
Residents in the normally quiet Hyde Park neighborhood gathered outside as police activity intensified. Several bystanders recorded the scene while private security maintained a perimeter around the property.
Many expressed shock that such a high-profile arrest unfolded in their community.
The suspect is expected to appear in court in the coming days, where formal charges may be outlined. Legal representatives have yet to issue a detailed public statement.
Prosecutors are reportedly awaiting ballistic results and forensic analysis before finalizing the charge sheet.
Desperate Measures
The intensity of the investigation reached a fever pitch late Thursday night. Authorities suspected the weapon was thrown into the murky water of the swimming pool to conceal evidence.
Specialised divers were summoned, and the pool was drained. Despite these exhaustive measures and the use of sniffer dogs, the operation proved to be a costly dead end. Cartridges were found, but no gun.
Bizarre Twist
In a chaotic scene, officers returning to the property witnessed a black BMW attempting to flee with three occupants, including the suspect's helper. The vehicle was fitted with white lights and a police siren.
Heidi Giokos reported: “The car is also fitted with white lights and a siren. This is illegal... It’s a police siren that’s only authorised for SAPS.” The vehicle was promptly impounded.
Monday Court Date
Chatunga and his co-accused (33) have been formally charged and are expected to appear before the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Monday, February 23, 2026.
Police statements suggest the motive for the shooting stemmed from an altercation regarding the gardener’s absence from work.
Prosecutors are expected to outline the seriousness of the allegations and may oppose bail, citing the gravity of the offense and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The State is likely to reference forensic findings, witness statements, and ballistic evidence as part of its preliminary submission.
Legal representatives for the accused are expected to argue for bail and may challenge elements of the prosecution’s version of events.
The defense could also request additional time to review the docket before entering a formal plea.
Monday’s appearance is expected to be procedural, focusing on charge confirmation and potential bail proceedings.
The matter may be postponed to allow for further investigation, forensic reports, and formal indictment if the case proceeds to a higher court.
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