A storm of opinions erupted on social media this week after South African radio personality Gareth Cliff publicly challenged why Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe remains in the country following his arrest over a shooting in Johannesburg. The youngest son of Zimbabwe’s late president was taken into custody after a gardener was seriously wounded at his Hyde Park home earlier in February.
Cliff’s comments came as the legal saga drew attention beyond traditional news desks and onto platforms like X and Facebook, where many South Africans echoed his sentiment that high-profile figures should not be treated differently under South African law. Some commentators online asked pointed questions about Mugabe’s right to live here while facing serious charges.
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The incident that sparked the debate
Bellarmine Mugabe and another man were arrested after a 23-year-old gardener was shot at the property in one of Johannesburg’s affluent northern suburbs. The victim was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, and police promptly took both men into custody on attempted murder charges. Authorities have been searching parts of the property, including the swimming pool area, for the firearm allegedly used in the shooting, though it has not yet been found.
The case quickly drew comparisons to past high-profile incidents, including the 2017 case involving Mugabe’s mother, Grace Mugabe, and comments from local communities expressing frustration at perceived privilege and a lack of accountability. Meanwhile, legal experts and some members of the Zimbabwean diaspora urged patience as the South African justice system runs its course.
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Public reaction and simmering questions
On social platforms, Gareth Cliff did not mince words, asking why someone embroiled in such serious allegations was “living here” while awaiting further legal proceedings. His remarks sparked a wider conversation, with some users supporting his tough stance and others cautioning against online judgment before the court has spoken.
The Mugabe family’s official spokesperson has emphasised that only their legal team is authorised to speak on the matter, clarifying that any statements circulating online claiming to represent the family are not valid.
As Mugabe is expected to appear in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, the intersection of celebrity, privilege, and South Africa’s legal framework will continue to fuel discussion among observers both at home and abroad.
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Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: Gareth Cliff