Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of late Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe, has appeared in a South African court after a gardener was shot at a luxury property north of Johannesburg.

The shooting took place at a house in an affluent suburb where Mugabe is known to stay while in South Africa. Police say the gardener was found with a gunshot wound and taken to hospital in critical condition. Investigators have not disclosed what led to the shooting and say the motive remains unclear.

Mugabe, 29, was arrested alongside another man and charged with attempted murder. In court, he abandoned his bid for bail, opting to remain in custody while his legal team enters talks with prosecutors. The case has been postponed to allow for further investigation and possible negotiations.

His lawyer, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, told reporters that it was too early to say how Mugabe would plead, stressing that discussions with the state were at a preliminary stage. Mnguni suggested that any decision on a plea would depend on the outcome of those negotiations and the final charge sheet.

South African police have confirmed that forensic work is under way, including ballistic analysis and interviews with witnesses who were at or near the property at the time. Officers are also examining whether alcohol or any prior dispute may have played a role, though no official theory has been put forward.

Bellarmine Chatunga is one of two sons Robert Mugabe had with his widow, Grace Mugabe. The brothers have spent extended periods in Johannesburg, where they have drawn attention for their lavish lifestyle and late-night partying, often documented on social media.

The family has previously faced legal and public scrutiny in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Grace Mugabe has been accused in separate incidents of violent behaviour, including an alleged assault on a domestic worker at the family’s Harare residence.

The latest case has revived debate in both countries about the conduct of political elites and their children, and whether they are held to the same standards as ordinary citizens. If convicted of attempted murder, Mugabe could face a lengthy prison sentence under South African law.