Shooting at home: Mugabe's youngest son appears in South African court
The victim remains in critical condition in hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds to the back.
The South African Police Service confirms that an additional charge of “defeating the ends of justice” will be added against Bellarmine Mugabe and his co-accused after the firearm allegedly used in last week’s shooting has yet to be recovered.
Bellarmine Mugabe, 28, the son of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, and a 33-year-old man were arrested following the shooting of a 23-year-old gardener at Mugabe’s home in Hyde Park, north of Johannesburg.
The victim remains in critical condition in hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds. Witnesses say he was shot in the back.
A witness who was near the property at the time told SABC he heard two gunshots followed by someone crying out. Neighbours and passersby reportedly saw the 23-year-old fleeing from the property before collapsing by the roadside.
Additional charge
The two suspects have been in custody at the Bramley police station since their arrest and are expected to appear before the Alexandra Magistrate's Court.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi told SABC that the suspects will face charges of attempted murder and defeating the ends of justice “since the firearm has not been found.” She added that the motive for the shooting remains unclear and investigations are ongoing.
Police divers were deployed last Friday, January 20, to search a swimming pool at the Hyde Park property for the missing firearm, but it has not yet been recovered.
Local media reported that Mugabe was seen in handcuffs in the driveway after officers arrived at the scene.
Meanwhile, the Mugabe family has denied reports suggesting it had issued public statements through third parties. In a statement, the family said it had “not appointed, authorised, or mandated any public relations team, media consultant, or spokesperson to speak on its behalf.”
“Accordingly, any statements, commentary, or representations made by any third party claiming to act for or represent the family are false and should be disregarded in their entirety,” the statement read, directing all media enquiries to its legal representatives.