Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of the late Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe, was arrested in South Africa on Thursday after a shooting at his home in a Johannesburg suburb.

According to South African police, the incident left one of his employees, a gardener, in critical condition after being shot. Authorities have confirmed that both Mugabe and another man were detained and are facing charges of attempted murder, according to Al Jazeera News.

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi stated that the motive for the shooting remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing. However, Mugabe and the other suspect have reportedly been uncooperative with the authorities. "They have not provided any information regarding the weapon used in the shooting," Nevhuhulwi explained, as reported by Al Jazeera News.

Local media reports indicate that Mugabe, 29, was photographed handcuffed and escorted by police officers shortly after the incident. Photographs from IOL News showed the son of Zimbabwe’s former president being taken into custody, although police have not named the suspects publicly. Mugabe’s lawyer, Ashley Mugiya, confirmed that the accused will be represented by legal counsel in South Africa. 

The shooting occurred at Mugabe's upscale residence in one of Johannesburg's affluent neighbourhoods, raising concerns over the ongoing legal troubles surrounding the Mugabe family. This family has been linked to various controversies in recent years, including accusations against Bellarmine's older brother, Robert Mugabe Jr., who was fined last year for marijuana possession in Zimbabwe. 

Bellarmine's mother, Grace Mugabe, also attracted significant media attention in 2017 when she was accused of assaulting a model at a luxury hotel in Johannesburg. Grace, who served as the first lady of Zimbabwe during her husband's presidency, was initially ordered to appear in court but was later granted diplomatic immunity, which prevented her prosecution. 

The Mugabe family’s continued presence in South Africa has garnered mixed reactions, especially given their past controversies. As the investigation into the shooting continues, questions remain about the family's influence and their legal future both in Zimbabwe and internationally.