JOHANNESBURG – Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the son of late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, is set to spend close to two weeks in custody after South African authorities added fresh charges to his case, including defeating the ends of justice over a missing firearm allegedly linked to a shooting incident.
Chatunga Mugabe (28) and his co-accused, Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze (33), appeared before the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg on Monday where they were remanded in custody until March 3 for a formal bail application.
The two are facing three charges, attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and defeating the ends of justice, following an alleged shooting incident at a residence in Hyde Park, Johannesburg last week.
Police said the additional charge of defeating the ends of justice relates to the disappearance of the firearm allegedly used in the incident. Investigators reportedly deployed forensic specialists and sniffer dogs in an unsuccessful search for the weapon.
Prosecutors allege the suspects were involved in a shooting that left a 23-year-old gardener critically injured. Authorities say investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The latest court ruling means Chatunga Mugabe and Matonhodze will remain behind bars for nearly two weeks from their initial court appearance while awaiting their bail hearing.
During his detention, Mugabe reportedly required medical attention after collapsing twice while being held at Bramley Police Station.
His legal representatives have raised concerns about his health and have called on authorities to ensure he receives adequate medical care.
