Police in Johannesburg have arrested a son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe following a shooting at a Hyde Park residence that left a worker critically injured.

Gauteng police confirmed that a case of attempted murder has been opened after a 23-year-old man was shot on Thursday.

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the victim is an employee at the property and was taken to hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds.

“The police will be investigating a case of attempted murder after a 23-year-old man was shot today at Hyde Park,” Nevhuhulwi said.

She added that the victim was in a critical condition, but authorities were hopeful he would recover.

Police have not officially confirmed the identity of the alleged shooter. However, it is understood that one of those taken in for questioning is a son of Mugabe.

Two men, aged 28 and 33, were taken in for questioning shortly after the incident. The motive for the shooting is still unknown.

Specialised police units, including the K9 unit, Bramley detectives and forensic teams, were deployed to the scene as part of the investigation.

Reports indicate that police were initially denied access to the property, leading to a delay before officers were able to enter. A negotiation process reportedly took place before authorities gained entry.

Public broadcaster SABC reported that the victim, believed to be working as a security guard or gardener at the residence, was rushed to hospital following the shooting.

A man identifying himself as “Batista”, who claimed to be part of the family’s private security team, told the broadcaster he had been called to assist but was not allowed onto the property.

Police have not commented on these claims.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing and further details, including the confirmation of the suspects’ identities and possible charges, will be released in due course.

This is not the first time a member of the Mugabe family has faced legal trouble.

In November 2025, Mugabe’s son, Tinotenda Mugabe Junior, was convicted in Harare for unlawful possession of drugs after pleading guilty in court. He was arrested during a police operation where dagga and related items were found in his possession.

He was granted bail after spending two nights in custody, with sentencing expected to determine whether he would face a fine or a custodial sentence.

Back in Hyde Park, police say their focus remains on establishing the circumstances that led to the shooting.

“The motive of the shooting is unknown at this stage and police investigations are underway,” Nevhuhulwi said.