SA POLICE RELEASE MORE DETAILS ON CHATUNGA SHOOTING
…Divers scouring the swimming pool
…CCTV footage on movements of Chatunga’s BMW being studied
The South African Police Service has released more details after Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe, the son of Zimbabwe’s late former president, was implicated in the shooting of a gardener in Johannesburg’s elite Hyde Park, confirming they are yet to locate the weapon used in the attack.
Officers have launched a desperate manhunt for the firearm, deploying specialist sniffer dogs to scour the upmarket property after a single cartridge was recovered from the scene. The victim, initially identified as a security guard but now confirmed by police to be a gardener employed at the residence, is currently fighting for his life in a local hospital after the Thursday afternoon shooting.
Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the police spokesperson, confirmed that while the investigation is moving forward, the central piece of evidence remains missing. She stated that at the moment, they do not have the firearm.
She confirmed that they have since deployed the canine unit to search for the weapon. Colonel Nevhuhulwi added that they have recovered the cartridge that was ejected during the shooting, and that cartridge has been taken by the forensics unit and will be used to form part of the investigation.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the quiet neighbourhood. The police have confirmed that two individuals who were present at the time of the incident have been taken into custody to assist with the probe.
Colonel Nevhuhulwi emphasised the cooperative nature of the suspects so far, but stressed that the full picture has yet to emerge. She confirmed that they were present at the time of the shooting, hence they will be questioned to help establish what happened at the Hyde Park residence. Colonel Nevhuhulwi added that the two suspects are cooperating with the police.
The victim’s condition remains dire. Medical personnel rushed him to a nearby hospital shortly after the incident. Colonel Nevhuhulwi said that the shooting victim has been taken to the hospital and is reported to be in critical condition, although they are hoping that he will be fine.
The incident, which occurred just after midday, quickly escalated into a tense standoff. According to the SABC News, reports initially indicated that the suspect had barricaded himself inside a room, prompting hostage negotiators to race to the scene.
Police divers were last night scouring the swimmimg pool for the weapon.
Police also suspect Chatunga’s BMW may have been used to remove the firearm from the crime scene and are follpwing all leads ising CCTV.
The vehicle, fitted with “white and blue lights” and a “siren”, returned to the Mugabe family’s Hyde Park residence as officers responded to the shooting. Blue rights are used by VVIP as security and have to be authorised.
Investigators are now trying to determine how the car was equipped with a siren and whether it was legally authorized. According to police, the driver who brought the car back claimed he had taken out the helper, but authorities believe he instead removed the gun used in the attack.
A man also rocked up at the Mugabe residence saying he was a relative. He identified himself as Malcolm X. The name has also cropped at the Madhlanga Commission during Cat Matlala interview. Officers are working to trace the weapon’s whereabouts. Chatunga has been formally charged with attempted murder and is expected to appear in court within 48 hours. He was arrested with another suspect whose identity Unconfirmed reports say that the gun was disposed as it not licensed.
Given the severity of the Hyde Park shooting, where a man is currently fighting for his life, sources suggest this time the consequences may be far more serious for the son of the late Zimbabwean president. *_-iHarare_*
