The arrest of Bellarmine Mugabe in South Africa has once again drawn attention to the controversial history of the family of Zimbabwe’s former leader Robert Mugabe.
Bellarmine Mugabe is accused of attempted murder after a 23-year-old man was shot and injured at a property in an affluent suburb of Johannesburg. He is expected to appear in court for a bail hearing. He has not publicly commented on the charges.
Robert Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years before being forced from power in 2017. He died in 2019, leaving behind a family that has frequently appeared in headlines due to legal troubles and allegations of extravagant lifestyles.
Children of Robert Mugabe
Mugabe and his wife Grace Mugabe had three children together:
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Bona Mugabe
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Robert Mugabe Jr
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Bellarmine Mugabe
Grace Mugabe also has an older son from a previous marriage, Russell Goreraza.
Analysts say the Mugabe children grew up in an environment of wealth and protection from Zimbabwe’s political and economic struggles.
Legal issues and controversies
Bellarmine Mugabe has faced several legal problems in recent years, including arrests linked to assault allegations and failing to appear in court.
His older brother, Robert Mugabe Jr, has also faced police investigations, including a 2023 property damage case and a 2025 conviction related to cannabis possession.
Meanwhile, Grace Mugabe earned the nickname “Gucci Grace” due to accusations of extravagant spending during her husband’s presidency. She has also faced legal issues in South Africa over an alleged assault case dating back to 2017.
Life after power
Since Robert Mugabe’s removal from power, the family has largely stepped away from politics. However, they have occasionally appeared at political events, including the 2023 inauguration of Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Most members of the Mugabe family are believed to still live in Zimbabwe, although their public role has significantly declined since the end of Mugabe’s rule.
