Robert Mugabe’s Son Gets Relief As Prosecutors Drop Drug Possession Charge
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of Zimbabwe’s late former president Robert Mugabe, has walked free after prosecutors withdrew a charge of possessing 72 grammes of mbanje (cannabis) before he was asked to plead. The decision brings an end to the drug possession case against him, although his co-accused, Max Mugaba, remains in custody.
The development comes after Chatunga recently returned to Zimbabwe following his deportation from South Africa, where he had been detained over attempted murder allegations.
How Chatunga Mugabe Was Linked To The 72g Drug Discovery
According to New Zimbabwe, Chatunga’s lawyer, Simbarashe Mukwekwezeka, said his client was unaware that his friend was carrying the drugs.
The lawyer explained that Chatunga had picked up Mugaba so they could go for a haircut when police stopped their vehicle because it was not registered.
Mukwekwezeka said the discovery happened during a search of the vehicle.
“The vehicle was searched and that is when the drugs were discovered,” Mukwekwezeka said.
He maintained that Chatunga did not know his friend had the 72 grammes of mbanje in his bag.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) subsequently withdrew the possession charge against Chatunga before plea.
Max Mugaba Remains In Custody As Case Continues
While Chatunga is no longer facing prosecution in the drug possession case, Mugaba remains on remand and is awaiting a bail hearing.
The withdrawal applies to the charge against Chatunga and does not mean that proceedings against his co-accused have ended.
Chatunga’s return to Zimbabwe had followed his detention in South Africa over attempted murder allegations and his subsequent deportation.
The latest development therefore closes the drug possession case against the former president’s son, while Mugaba’s legal position remains unresolved.
The post Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe Walks Free In Drug Case As Friend Remains Behind Bars appeared first on iHarare News.
