Johannesburg woke up to flashing blue lights in Hyde Park — and a surname that refuses to stay out of headlines. A gardener lies in critical condition after a shooting at the home of Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, son of the late Zimbabwean leader.
Police confirm they are investigating attempted murder, but no formal arrests have been made. The firearm is still missing. As detectives piece together what happened inside the gated property, social media has exploded — folding the incident into a global conversation about powerful sons, privilege, and accountability in 2026.
What police confirmed
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi stated:
“The motive of the shooting is unknown at this stage and police investigations are underway.”
She confirmed:
- Two suspects — widely reported to include Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe — have been taken in for questioning
- They have not been formally arrested or charged
- Police are investigating a case of attempted murder
- The firearm allegedly used in the incident has not been recovered
Authorities stress that those questioned are currently assisting with inquiries.
Grace Mugabe’s outstanding warrant resurfaces
The incident has revived scrutiny around former First Lady Grace Mugabe.
Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono noted, per the below X post, that Grace Mugabe cannot travel to South Africa to support her son due to an outstanding 2017 arrest warrant relating to allegations she assaulted Gabriella Engels at a Johannesburg hotel.
Her diplomatic immunity was later set aside by a South African court, and a warrant was issued after she failed to appear.
“Month of reckoning” — Global pattern emerges
Commentator Phil Mphela framed the Hyde Park incident within a broader international narrative.
He pointed to the arrest of Prince Andrew, legally Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, following mounting scrutiny over his past association with Jeffrey Epstein.
NBC News reports that Andrew remains in custody as British police investigate allegations related to misconduct in public office.
His case has renewed focus on individuals mentioned in the Epstein files, including figures linked to African sovereign finance discussions. Read more in this analysis on Andrew and Epstein-linked Africa finance scrutiny.
In Norway, Marius Borg Høiby — son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit — is also facing serious charges, adding to the online narrative of high-profile offspring under legal pressure.
For more on how Epstein-linked controversies have sparked debate in South Africa, ALSO READ: AfriForum and selective moral outrage.
Hyde Park location draws Ramaphosa into debate
The suburb itself quickly became part of the discourse.
Podcaster Penuel Mlotsha asked online whether it was the same Hyde Park where President Cyril Ramaphosa and Julius Malema reside.
While there is no evidence linking Ramaphosa to the shooting, social media commentary referenced recent scrutiny involving the President’s acknowledged acquaintance with businessman Hangwani Maumela.
Ramaphosa previously addressed Parliament regarding his familiarity with Maumela following the SIU’s Tembisa Hospital investigation.
A family frequently in the spotlight
The Mugabe name has faced previous legal scrutiny.
In late 2025, Robert Mugabe Jr appeared in a Harare court on drug possession charges, which his legal team said they would contest.
Now, with Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe assisting police in Johannesburg, the family once again trends — not just regionally, but globally.
What Happens Next?
Police maintain:
- No formal arrests have been made
- No charges have been filed
- The firearm has not yet been recovered
- The investigation remains ongoing
As the case develops, authorities caution against speculation while investigations continue.
For more updates, visit NOWinSA Breaking News.
