An arrest warrant has been issued for Bellarmine Chatunga, the youngest son of the late Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, after he failed to appear in court. The warrant was issued by the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court following Chatunga’s recent arrest for disorderly conduct and possession of prohibited knives.
The incident in question took place on August 31 at the Bubi Security Roadblock in Beitbridge, where police stopped Chatunga’s vehicle. The driver, a South African national, was asked to provide passport and vehicle registration documents. However, before the driver could comply, Chatunga handed over his own passport, allegedly showing signs of frustration. According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the police officer instructed the driver to park the vehicle, which led to an outburst from Chatunga.
Frustrated by the delay, Chatunga reportedly exited the vehicle and approached the 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?” During the confrontation, a small brown knife allegedly fell from Chatunga’s jacket, leading to his arrest when the police retrieved the weapon.
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Chatunga was due to appear for a routine remand hearing on Monday but failed to show up, prompting the court to issue the arrest warrant.
Bellarmine Chatunga is the youngest son of Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s founding president, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 95. Mugabe’s legacy remains divisive, with some viewing him as a hero who fought for Zimbabwe’s independence, while others consider him a controversial figure due to his long rule and accusations of human rights violations.
The case against Chatunga adds another chapter to the often turbulent lives of the Mugabe family, who have remained in the public eye even after the former leader’s passing. It remains to be seen how this legal matter will unfold and whether Chatunga will be brought to justice following the warrant for his arrest.