Chatunga Mugabe Remanded In Custody, Bail Hearing Set For Friday

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the son of Zimbabwe’s late former President Robert Mugabe, has been remanded in custody alongside four co-accused following their appearance at the Harare Magistrates’ Court over the alleged assault of a Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) investigator.

The 29-year-old and the other four suspects are expected to return to court on Friday, November 6, for a bail hearing.

The allegations stem from a ZACC operation at Brompton Guest Lodge in Newlands, Harare, where investigators were looking into two luxury vehicles suspected of remaining in the country beyond the validity of their temporary import permits.

Also Read: Chatunga Mugabe Arrested Over Alleged Assault Of ZACC Investigator During Vehicle Seizure

Four Men Arrested Alongside Chatunga Mugabe

Chatunga was arrested on Tuesday evening, November 3, at the guest lodge following an incident in which a ZACC investigator was allegedly assaulted.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that five men had been arrested in connection with the alleged attack.

The other suspects are Munashe Mubawu, 43, Terrence Johannes Chinyemba, 42, Fredson Peter, 33, and Solomon Pamire, 34.

All five appeared in court and were remanded in custody pending the bail hearing.

Also Read: More Details Emerge About Chatunga Mugabe’s Arrest As Lamborghini And Mercedes-Benz Seized

ZACC Explains Investigation Into Luxury Vehicles

ZACC spokesperson Simiso Mlevu provided details of the operation during a press conference in Harare on Wednesday, November 4.

She said the commission had received information that two South African-registered luxury vehicles were being kept at the Newlands guest lodge.

Investigators suspected that the vehicles had overstayed in Zimbabwe, contrary to the conditions of temporary import permits issued by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).

Mlevu said the commission had traced the vehicles’ movements using official records.

“The Lamborghini arrived in the country in June, and according to ZIMRA records exited the country on July 12. On the same date, July 12, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 got into the country and according to official records it exited for South Africa on October 10.”

Despite the recorded exits, both vehicles were subsequently located at the Newlands property.

ZACC Investigator Allegedly Assaulted During Operation

Mlevu also confirmed that one of the commission’s investigators was allegedly attacked while officials were carrying out the operation.

“One of our officials was assaulted by the suspects who are allegedly involved in the smuggling of the vehicles and the matter was reported to the police,” she said.

The alleged assault resulted in the arrest of Chatunga and the four other men, who are now awaiting their bail hearing.