A 23-year-old gardener is in critical condition after being shot at the Hyde Park residence of Robert Mugabe's son on Thursday. The son and another man have been arrested and charged with attempted murder, while police divers search for the missing gun. Grace Mugabe is reportedly distressed over the incident.
On Thursday, February 19, 2026, a shooting incident occurred at the residence of the son of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe in Hyde Park, north of Johannesburg. A 23-year-old gardener sustained a gunshot wound to the back and is in critical condition in hospital. Witnesses reported hearing two gunshots followed by crying, and saw the victim fleeing the scene before collapsing nearby.
Police have detained Mugabe's son and another man in connection with the shooting. The two suspects have been charged with attempted murder. The firearm used in the incident remains missing, prompting authorities to deploy police divers to search the premises, including the swimming pool.
SABC News reporter Chriselda Lewis described the ongoing investigation: “Police have now widened their investigation looking for this missing gun, which is alleged to have been used here at this crime scene... Police divers, we understand, are now being brought in. I do understand these divers... is going to go into the premises. I understand that the pool is going to be searched.”
Former First Lady Grace Mugabe is said to be distressed and angry about her son's arrest, according to sources close to the family cited by SABC News specialist correspondent Sophie Mokoena. The source noted that Grace has been advising her children to behave, referencing past incidents including the arrest of another son in Zimbabwe for possession of dagga and prior court appearances by the son now detained in South Africa.
Head of detectives in Gauteng, Major General Mbuso Khumalo, was present at the crime scene as investigations continue. The victim was reportedly shot allegedly by either Mugabe's son or his friend, though details remain under police inquiry.
