From Grace To Crime: Inside Chatunga Mugabe’s R45m Sandhurst Luxury Mansion Where Gardener Was Shot

The sprawling R45 million Sandhurst palace bought by Grace Mugabe in 2017 for her sons has become the scene of a bloody attempted murder investigation after a gardener was shot last week, with police divers plunging into the neglected pool to search for the missing weapon.

The magnificent property in one of Johannesburg’s most exclusive suburbs was purchased at the height of Grace Mugabe’s power, but today it stands neglected, with overgrown gardens and a murky pool that required a specialised police dive team to search for the gun used in the shocking attack.

According to Barry Bateman of the Afriforum Private Prosecution Unit, the property has a colourful history. He pointed to the original 2017 property advertisements, saying:

“It has rolling lawns, a summer house, koi pond and six reception rooms. It also has four bedrooms and four bathrooms, a two-bedroomed cottage, pool, etc.”

But the reality in 2026 is very different. Social media user Mark van Jones posted images comparing the property then and now, showing the dramatic decline. He told his followers:

“This is the swimming pool divers were searching for a gun used in the shooting at Bellarmine Mugabe residence in Sandhurst.”

The R45m Palace That Time Forgot: From Rolling Lawns To Jungle-Like Neglect

When Grace Mugabe purchased the property in February 2017 through a shelf company, it was the talk of Johannesburg’s elite property market. The 9,249-square-metre estate was nearly double the size of most properties in Sandhurst, a suburb “redolent of money and extravagance.”

Property adverts from the time described a dream home. The listing boasted:

“It has rolling lawns, a summer house, koi pond and six reception rooms. It also has four bedrooms and four bathrooms, a two-bedroomed cottage, pool, etc.”

An estate agent who knew the property at the time of purchase told reporters in 2017:

“It had been on the market for some time but was transferred in May this year.” Another agent added that the property “does need some updating.”

Today, the neglect is evident. Social media users were quick to comment on the deteriorated state of the once-majestic grounds. Mark van Jones explained:

“Yep from the google earth photos it looks like the garden has been neglected, bear in mind this photo is from the start of 2025. So god knows what it looks like now.”

Another observer simply noted: “Clearly shows it’s not being maintained.”

 

This is the swimming pool divers were searching for a gun used in the shooting at Bellarmine Mugabe residence in Sandhurst.

2017 2025 pic.twitter.com/xMnJxEDoD4

— Mark van jones (@MARKVANJONES) February 20, 2026

The Shooting That Shocked Sandhurst

Residents of the quiet Sandhurst suburb were left terrified after gunshots rang out at the Mugabe residence on Thursday morning. According to police, the 23-year-old gardener was shot and critically wounded.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi provided details of the chaotic scene. She stated:

“The information we have is that around 10am a diplomatic unit was patrolling the area and they were stopped by a security vehicle that informed them that there is a shooting incident. Upon arriving here, they found the victim who was shot. They managed to speak to him before he was taken to hospital, and the victim indicated that he is an employee at the Mugabe home.”

Colonel Nevhuhulwi added that the suspects were uncooperative with investigators. She confirmed:

“They have not told us where the gun is. We cannot definitely say who shot. We did manage to find a cartridge, and that cartridge will form part of the investigation.”

A Hyde Park security guard who witnessed the aftermath gave a chilling account. He said:

“I heard two gunshots. I then decided to check what was happening. That is when I saw the man in the street lying down. He was followed by another man who was holding his phone. The man then went back into the yard.”

Inside The Lavish Lifestyle: From Dubai Dreams To Joburg Nightclubs

The Sandhurst mansion has been home to Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe, now 28, and his brother Robert Mugabe Jnr, now 33, who have become notorious figures in Johannesburg’s nightlife scene.

Their path to South Africa was anything but smooth. In 2017, reports emerged that the family had to quickly leave their R500,000-per-month rented Dubai home after the sons “allegedly had to leave in a hurry.” They then moved to Johannesburg, where they were kicked out of a R70,000-a-month flat in Rivonia “after a drunken brawl which left a security guard injured.”

Police Investigation Intensifies

The search for the firearm used in the shooting has taken a dramatic turn, with police divers called to scour the swimming pool. The decision to use divers raised eyebrows on social media.

One user questioned the tactic: “Why did it require divers, instead of normal police who can swim?”

Mark van Jones responded that the state of the property necessitated the extreme measure. He said:

“From the sounds of it the area was heavily overgrown pool was likely green. Most likely a biohazard but SAPS divers were also at the scene.”

Chatunga Mugabe is expected to appear at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on charges of attempted murder, together with his co-accused. The victim remains in the hospital in critical condition.