Robert Mugabe’s son charged with attempted murder over Johannesburg shooting
The Guardian World
by Rachel Savage in JohannesburgFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A son of the late Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, has been charged with attempted murder following an incident in Johannesburg. The 28-year-old allegedly shot a 23-year-old man in the back on February 19 in an upscale area of the city. Mugabe appeared in court alongside co-accused Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze for a brief hearing, during which their lawyer declined to comment on whether the two were related. The lawyer plans to request bail for both men at their next hearing on March 3.
Mugabe, known for his lavish lifestyle, faces additional charges of theft and being an illegal immigrant. These allegations add another layer to the case, suggesting a pattern of behavior that has drawn attention from authorities. The incident occurred in South Africa, a country grappling with high crime rates and issues of immigration, making it a focal point for both local and international observers.
The case is significant not only due to
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/23/2026