Gun Still Missing: Police Divers Scour Mugabe’s Hyde Park Home For Weapon
Johannesburg Bureau • February 20, 2026
A Mystery Deepens. The firearm used in the shooting at the Hyde Park home of Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe remains elusive. As South African police intensify their investigation into the incident that left a young employee fighting for his life, the absence of the weapon has triggered a massive search operation involving divers and K9 units at the upmarket property.
| Intensive Search: Police vehicles remain stationed outside the Mugabe residence as the hunt for the weapon continues. (Image Credit: IOL) |
Pool Drained
Police divers were forced to drain the murky swimming pool in a desperate bid to locate the gun, but nothing has been recovered yet.
Hunting the Weapon
Members of the SAPS returned to the residence on Thursday night. The property was cordoned off as investigators launched a massive search involving forensic experts, divers, and a K9 unit.
While a cartridge was recovered at the scene, the gun itself is missing. Authorities view the weapon as the key piece of evidence needed to solidify the case.
Police divers were brought in to search the swimming pool on the premises. The water was reportedly "murky and dirty," necessitating it be drained to ensure a thorough search.
Despite these efforts and the deployment of K9 units to comb the grounds, the firearm had not been located by Friday morning.
Critical Condition
The victim, identified as a 23-year-old gardener, was shot and wounded during the alleged dispute on Thursday, February 19.
He sustained two gunshot wounds and was rushed to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition. His identity has not yet been released to the public.
Legal Proceedings
SAPS spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that both suspects—Chatunga Mugabe (28) and a second individual—have been formally charged with attempted murder.
The pair spent the night in holding cells at Bramley Police Station following their arrest.
What Happens Next?
The suspects are expected to make their first appearance before the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court shortly.
Investigations remain ongoing as police race to find the missing gun before the court proceedings begin in earnest.
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