Arrests, accusations and arguments – the Mugabe family after losing power
Arrests, accusations and arguments – the Mugabe family after losing power
In South Africa, the arrest of Robert Mugabe’s youngest son has reignited interest in the former first family’s years of political turmoil. Bellarmine Mugabe, set for a bail hearing on Wednesday, faces charges including attempted murder following an incident where a 23-year-old man was shot and injured at a Johannesburg suburb property. He has remained silent regarding the accusations.
The Family’s Accumulated Wealth
The Mugabe family’s substantial personal assets, including $10 million in cash, four residences, ten vehicles, a farm, and an orchard, were revealed three months after Robert Mugabe’s death. These details surfaced through a legal letter submitted by his daughter Bona to Zimbabwe’s high court. At the time, a family lawyer, Terrence Hussein, stated that none of the properties were officially in the former leader’s name.
“The Mugabe family has lived a life of privilege, and the children grew up protected from the broader realities of Zimbabwe’s political and socio-economic situation,” remarked Dumisani Muleya, managing editor of the NewsHawks website.
Legal Troubles and Public Scrutiny
Bellarmine and his older brother Robert Jr have drawn media attention for their extravagant lifestyles amidst Zimbabwe’s growing economic struggles. In 2017, shortly before his father’s ousting, Bellarmine shared a photo of a $60,000 watch on Instagram. A year earlier, the brothers were reportedly evicted from a luxury apartment in Sandton, Johannesburg, due to noise complaints.
Recent months have seen further legal incidents involving Bellarmine. In February 2024, he was detained for allegedly attacking a police officer in Beitbridge, a border town. After being granted bail, a warrant was issued when he failed to appear in court. The case was then delayed again in June 2024, when he was charged with assaulting a security guard in Mazowe, near Harare.
Robert Jr’s Legal History
Robert Jr has also encountered legal issues. In 2023, he was arrested for damaging property at a Harare event, accused of smashing car windscreens and confronting a police officer. His lawyer stated he faced three counts of malicious damage and two assault charges, but he was later released after agreeing to a settlement. In 2025, he was convicted for cannabis possession and fined following an incident where he drove the wrong way on a one-way street. Police found 0.02g of cannabis in a black sling bag, though the prosecution claimed 2g was recovered.
