Crimes and Courts Correspondent
Chatunga Bellamine Mugabe, the 27-year-old son of Zimbabwe’s late President Robert Mugabe, has landed in hot water after missing a court hearing, prompting Magistrate Miss Vavariro Gavi to issue an arrest warrant at the Beitbridge court.
Chatunga’s lawyer, Muchihwande Forbes Sithole, explained that his client’s absence was due to ongoing medical treatment, revealing that “he is currently undergoing a throat surgery in Harare and should be released by Friday”. Sithole added,
“We expect that he will attend the court on Monday, at which point we will seek a warning, caution, and discharge”.
The young Mugabe is facing charges related to disorderly conduct and possession of a prohibited knife, stemming from an altercation on August 30th near Beitbridge. The incident began when police requested a passport from one of Chatunga’s companions during a routine checkpoint.
Allegedly frustrated, Chatunga became unruly, verbally assaulting officers and physically handling one of them, while asserting his urgency to attend a wedding in Harare.
Charges Against Chatunga:
- Disorderly Conduct: Chatunga allegedly became unruly and verbally assaulted officers
- Possession of a Prohibited Knife: A flick knife was discovered in his possession
The case has sparked public discourse surrounding the Mugabe family and potential preferential treatment in legal matters. In a surprising twist, a social media post allegedly from Chatunga apologized to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe, and Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga. However, Chatunga’s legal team swiftly disavowed the post, stating it was not from their client.
Zim GBC News©2024