Zim GBC News | South African Correspondent
JOHANNESBURG – The firearm allegedly used in the shooting at the Johannesburg residence of late former President Robert Mugabe remains unaccounted for, despite a police search of the property, South African authorities have confirmed.
According to Newzroom Afrika’s Veronica Makhoali, South African Police Service investigators executed a search warrant at the high-walled Hyde Park property on Thursday but failed to locate the weapon used in the incident that left a 23-year-old gardener in critical condition.
“Mugabe’s passport is currently in police custody. This is, of course, as he is awaiting to appear before the Alexandra Magistrate Court on Monday,” Makhoali reported.
The broadcaster’s correspondent revealed details of the police operation at the upmarket residence:
“Yesterday (Friday), investigators managed to obtain a search warrant to comb through this property, and the scope of that particular warrant included the search of safes on the premises.”
Makhoali further disclosed that authorities seized a vehicle from the property during their investigation.
“A BMW was also seized on the property… the vehicle was allegedly maroon in colour but was later wrapped in black, fitted with white lights and a police siren to resemble a VIP protection vehicle.”
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe (28), son of the late former president, was arrested alongside another 33-year-old suspect following the shooting. The young gardener was shot twice but managed to flee through the gates before collapsing across the street from the property.
With the firearm still missing from the scene, police are reportedly exploring the possibility that it may have been deliberately removed.
Investigators are now considering additional charges, including defeating the ends of justice, against Mugabe and his co-accused.
Questions have also emerged regarding police conduct at the property. After the two suspects were initially taken away for questioning by the police’s diplomatic unit, the Hyde Park residence was reportedly left unattended.
Concerns have been raised over the number of vehicles removed from the premises during this period and the lack of surveillance, which may have compromised the crime scene and hampered the investigation.
The two suspects are expected to appear before the Alexandra Magistrate Court on Monday.
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