Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe, son of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, has been arrested in Beitbridge for allegedly assaulting a police officer and brandishing a knife. The incident occurred at a roadblock in Bubi, approximately 80 kilometers north of the border town.
According to reports from NewsDay, the altercation took place around 6:00 a.m. when Chatunga, accompanied by a Chinese driver, arrived at the police checkpoint. The confrontation escalated when officers requested vehicle documents, leading Chatunga to become agitated.
Sources claim Chatunga shouted at the police, saying, “You are delaying us, do you know who I am?” During the incident, he allegedly grabbed a Support Unit officer by the collar, tearing off his shirt buttons, and brandished an Okapi knife before being subdued and arrested.
Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube, the officer commanding Beitbridge Police District, confirmed Chatunga’s arrest but stated he had limited details about the case.
This incident adds to Chatunga Mugabe’s history of legal troubles. In 2023, he and a friend were arrested for assault and malicious damage to property. His older brother, Robert Junior, also faced legal issues in February of the previous year for erratic behavior at a party.
The arrest of the former president’s son highlights ongoing tensions and scrutiny surrounding the Mugabe family in post-Robert Mugabe Zimbabwe. As investigations continue, the case is likely to draw significant attention both domestically and internationally.