AfriForum Raises Red Flags: Mugabe Cleared of Shooting, Probes Case Handling
South African civil rights group AfriForum says there is confusion around the case of Bellarmine Mugabe, stressing that he was only convicted for pointing a fake gun—not for the Hyde Park shooting as widely reported.
AfriForum’s Barry Bateman said Mugabe pleaded guilty to pointing a fake gun at Brian Nguvayashe on February 11, 2026. He said this incident is separate from the February 19 shooting of Sipho Mahlangu.
Bateman made it clear that Mugabe was not convicted in connection with the Hyde Park shooting.
He questioned why Mugabe was not held accountable for the attempted murder case, despite claims that he was present during the shooting and knew about the firearm.
Bateman also raised concerns about how prosecutors handled the case, including why a plea deal was accepted without details of the shooting and why two separate cases were merged.
AfriForum also pointed to its history of pursuing justice in cases involving the Mugabe family, including its legal battle against former First Lady Grace Mugabe over an alleged assault in South Africa.
The organisation says it will continue to push for accountability where it believes justice is not fully served.
