Gareth Cliff Condemns Bellarmine Mugabe Over Alleged Shooting in South Africa
South African broadcaster Gareth Cliff has openly criticized Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, after his arrest in South Africa for allegedly shooting his gardener. Cliff expressed his views during The Gareth Cliff Show on The Real Network YouTube channel, which aired on Friday, February 20, 2026.
Cliff Questions Mugabe Family's Presence in South Africa
Gareth Cliff began by mocking Bellarmine's name, describing it as foolish and questioning why Robert Mugabe's son chose to live in South Africa instead of Zimbabwe, a country his father ruled for years. Cliff emphasized that while he does not oppose the Mugabe family residing in South Africa, they must respect the country's laws and avoid causing disruptions.
He stated, "Bellarmine, what a stupid name. So, first of all, alright, we've dealt with the news report. It's clearly not AI; it's an actual story. Second of all, what a stupid name for Robert Mugabe's son. Bellarmine? I mean, what?" Cliff went on to remind the public of the Mugabe family's history of troubling behavior in South Africa.
Recalling Past Incidents Involving the Mugabe Family
Cliff highlighted a previous incident where Bellarmine's mother, Grace Mugabe, assaulted a young South African woman with an extension cable. He explained that the case required intervention by AfriForum to help the victim, who was her housemaid, seek justice. "The wife was problematic. She beat a woman with an extension cable, and then AfriForum had to help that woman sue her. That was a South African woman. She was like her maid or something. The Mugabes should shut up and be quiet now," Gareth recalled.
Demand for Respect and Lawful Behavior
Cliff expressed astonishment that Bellarmine would cause trouble in South Africa after choosing to reside there instead of Zimbabwe. He said, "Maybe if we just put away all these people. I'm absolutely astonished that a Mugabe would have the temerity to live here and then cause trouble here. Like, if you're going to come and live here, sure, we don't mind you spending your money on South African restaurants, South African cars, and South African shops. That's good. Do it, but behave yourself. Behave yourself. I mean, you're not in your daddy's little feudal kingdom."
Cliff's comments underscore a broader call for celebrities and public figures to adhere to local laws and avoid importing conflicts from their home countries. The incident has sparked discussions on social media about accountability and respect for host nations.
Related News: Wole Soyinka Criticizes Security Detail for Seyi Tinubu
In a separate development, Nigerian Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka criticized the excessive security personnel attached to Seyi Tinubu, the son of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Soyinka described encountering what appeared to be a "battalion-level" security team guarding the president's son at a hotel in Ikoyi, questioning the allocation of resources for personal protection over national priorities.
This story highlights ongoing debates about celebrity behavior, legal accountability, and the responsibilities of public figures in foreign countries. As the case against Bellarmine Mugabe proceeds, it remains a focal point for discussions on immigration, law enforcement, and social justice in South Africa.
