Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube | Zim GBC News
JOHANNESBURG – The arrest of Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of late former President Robert Mugabe, in connection with a shooting incident at his Hyde Park residence has sparked a wave of fury, embarrassment, and soul-searching among Zimbabweans following the news from South Africa.
The 28-year-old was taken into custody on Thursday after a 23-year-old gardener was shot and critically wounded at the upmarket Johannesburg property following what police have described as an alleged labour dispute. A second suspect, aged 33, has also been detained. Both face charges of attempted murder as South African police continue to search for the firearm .
As news of the arrest spread, Zimbabweans took to social media and messaging platforms to express their dismay, with many describing the incident as a source of national shame.
‘They Think They’re Above the Law’
A commentator identified as Simbaremabwe expressed frustration at what they perceive as a pattern of reckless behaviour by the late former president’s children.
“Do these boys think before acting?” the commentator wrote. “This boy faced fire-arm charges after shooting at invaders at the farm in Mazoe. Now he shoots a guard at his residence in Joburg. He has created a big problem for himself. And all Zimbabweans will be blamed for lawlessness. It’s the belief that they think they’re above the law. It’s sickening & brings shame to his family.”
The reference is to an incident in June last year, when Chatunga was implicated in an alleged assault at a mining site in Mazowe, Zimbabwe, where a security guard and other employees were seriously injured during a confrontation involving armed men .
Simbaremabwe drew parallels between the late former President’s public discipline and his perceived failure to instil the same in his children.
“Ava vana mazino chaiwo taiona baba vavo vachirova vana vavemwe kuti ndivhoterei party take, but he failed to whip his kids in line,” they wrote.
“This is pathetic and embarrassing.”
The commentator further argued that the younger Mugabe should face the full consequences of the law.
“Hazvibatsiri he needs to sleep in jail anzwe kurwadza kwacho, hatinganyadziswe nepwere dzakakura dziri kudya mari yedu isu tichitambura nxaaa mhani. Our fathers brothers and sisters died in the war kwete kuti vana vaite soo.”
Diplomatic Immunity Questions
Some commentators speculated about whether Mugabe might seek to avoid prosecution through diplomatic channels, given his mother’s controversial history in South Africa.
“Pamwe vachiri nediplomatic immunity ka,” wrote Muface We DeMbare, referencing the 2017 incident in which Grace Mugabe was granted diplomatic immunity after being accused of assaulting model Gabriella Engels at a Johannesburg hotel .
However, another commentator identified as Shawn dismissed this possibility.
“Haa even if it’s there, one can’t act with impunity like this. A fist fight would have been acceptable. What triggers such anger? Manje iri ijere straight. Diplomatic immunity might not apply to him, if it does then he will be deported back home.”
Security Concerns and Family Dynamics
The commentator also raised concerns about the security implications of the incident becoming public.
“It’s a mess. The address is now public information. And the infamous SA criminals get these visuals too. They have created a security risk. How reckless can one be?”
Others questioned the influence of the company Mugabe keeps.
“Bellarmine having Nigerian friends? Aaah, the police will be looking at drugs as well. Watch this space,” the commentator added.
‘The House is Not in Order’
The commentator identified as Elinor noted the wider dysfunction within the Mugabe family.
“But true the house is not in order. Something need to be done.”
This sentiment was echoed by a frequent contributor from a WhatsApp debate platform, who suggested that other family members should intervene.
“Zvagara mubvandiripo or gora zvinonetsa mukasavaendesa kudzinza ravo chairo, call Tinashe Mugabe to put that house in order.”
Grace Mugabe’s Legal Hurdles
One commentator, highlighted the legal obstacles facing Mugabe’s mother, which prevent her from travelling to South Africa to support her son.
“The tragedy is that Grace Mugabe cannot travel to South Africa to support her son because she has an outstanding warrant of arrest in South Africa dating back to 2017, relating to allegations that she assaulted Gabriella Engels at a Johannesburg hotel.”
The diplomatic immunity granted to Grace Mugabe in that case was later set aside by the South Gauteng High Court in 2018 following a challenge by AfriForum and the Democratic Alliance .
‘Uncle Bob is Turning in His Grave’
Some reactions focused on Mugabe’s appearance and demeanour.
“He looks like a street kid. Whats happening nevafana ava. Am sure Uncle Bob is turning in his grave,” wrote Fadzie from a WhatsApp debate platform.
Another commentator, remarked:
“Face yacho nebvudzi iro kuita munhu wemadrugs chaiwo.”
A Pattern of Controversy
The arrest is not the first time Chatunga Mugabe has found himself on the wrong side of the law. In 2023, South African media reported that he was accused of assault following an altercation at a Sandton nightclub. He has also faced public scrutiny over his display of luxury vehicles and large sums of cash on social media while residing in South Africa .
His older brother, Robert Mugabe Jr., was fined $300 last year after admitting to possession of marijuana in Zimbabwe .
Police Investigation Continues
South African police have confirmed that the two suspects are in custody and are being questioned. The victim remains in hospital in critical condition after being shot once .
“We have our dog unit inside, and some of our officers inside searching for the firearm,” Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi told reporters outside the Hyde Park property.
“The victim has been taken to hospital. It was indicated that he is in a critical condition, but we are hoping that he will be fine” .
As investigations continue, Zimbabweans watching from home will be hoping for a resolution that brings justice to the victim and restores some dignity to a family name now mired in yet another controversy.
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