Bellarmine Chatunga, the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe’s son, is likely to be detained for failing to appear in court on two criminal counts. Beitbridge Magistrate Vavariro Gavi issued a warrant for Chatunga’s arrest after he missed a scheduled court appearance following a violent incident on August 31, 2024.
Chatunga’s lawyer, Muchiwande Sithole of F Chauke and Associates, informed the court that his client was unable to attend the hearing because he was having surgery in Harare. Last month, Beitbridge Resident Magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba remanded Chatunga out of detention on free bail and set a provisional trial date.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Chatunga is facing two criminal charges under the Codification and Reform Act: disorderly behavior and possession of a forbidden knife.
According to the NPA, on August 31, 2024, Chatunga’s black Range Rover was halted at a security roadblock in Beitbridge, driven by South African national Irvin Molokoza. When police requested Molokoza for his passport and vehicle registration documents, Chatunga reportedly became irritated and intervened.
“It is alleged that the accused person complained after the Police Officer requested that the driver park the motor vehicle further off the road. He allegedly disembarked from the vehicle and charged towards the Police Officer, shouting, ‘What are you doing? You are delaying me for the fourth time. I am rushing to a wedding in Harare, check my passport. Don’t you know who I am?’” the NPA revealed.
During the confrontation, a small brown knife reportedly fell from Chatunga’s jacket, leading to his arrest at the scene. The case remains ongoing, with authorities now searching for Chatunga following the warrant issued for his arrest.