Robert Mugabe's Son Charged With Attempted Murder In South Africa

JOHANNESBURG, Feb 24 (Bernama-dpa) -- The youngest son of former Zimbabwean autocrat Robert Mugabe has been charged with attempted murder in South Africa, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

Bellarmine Mugabe appeared on Monday morning with a co-defendant before the Alexandra Magistrate's Court in the economic hub of Johannesburg.

Mugabe identified himself by name but did not comment on the allegations.

Mugabe, who is 28 years old according to the police, was arrested on Thursday at his home in the exclusive Johannesburg suburb of Hyde Park after one of his employees suffered two gunshot wounds.

The victim is in critical condition, according to the police.

The police said that shell casings were found at the crime scene, but no firearm was discovered.

Mugabe and the co-defendant were also charged with obstruction of justice and illegal possession of a firearm.

Mugabe’s lawyer applied for bail on Monday, with the court set to announce its decision on March 3.

In the meantime, further investigations will continue, and the defendants will remain in custody.

Long-time ruler Robert Mugabe governed Zimbabwe, which borders South Africa, from 1980 until his removal by the military in 2017.

The controversial leader, who had transformed from a freedom fighter and globally respected beacon of hope into a widely despised authoritarian ruler during his nearly four decades in power, passed away two years later.

--BERNAMA-dpa