By Akani Nkuna
Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of the late former Robert Mugabe, has been arrested in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, after allegedly shooting a gardener at the family home.
According to preliminary reports, an altercation allegedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday, 19 February. The precise reason for the shooting remains unclear.
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Police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi told reporters outside the residence that, following negotiations with two suspects aged 24 and 33 — one of whom is believed to be Mugabe’s son — officers apprehended both individuals. They are currently subject to police investigation and will be taken in for questioning.
Nevhuhulwi emphasised that the two individuals were taken into custody because they were the only people present at the time of the shooting.
She added that the police dog unit was deployed to search the premises for the firearm allegedly used in the shooting. While the weapon has not yet been recovered, officers found a cartridge believed to have been used in the incident, which will form part of the investigation.
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“I can confirm that our police members were alerted by security to a shooting at this house. As you can see, it is a high-walled residence. Officers had to knock before they were granted access and eventually gained entry,” she said.
Nevhuhulwi confirmed that the two men are being investigated in connection with an attempted murder case. The victim was taken to hospital and is in critical condition, but she expressed optimism about his recovery.
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“At this stage, we do not know how many shots were fired. That will form part of our investigation. As indicated, we are still searching for the firearm allegedly used,” she said.
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