Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, has been arrested in connection with a violent assault that took place at a mining site in Mazowe. The arrest follows accusations that he led a group of armed men in a brutal attack on mine workers near the Mugabe family estate.
According to reports by ZimLive, Chatunga Mugabe was detained and taken to the holding cells at the Concession Magistrates Court on Tuesday, where he is expected to face charges related to the violent incident. The charges stem from a confrontation at Ultimate Mining—a concession that borders the estate owned by his mother, former First Lady Grace Mugabe.
The alleged attack occurred on Wednesday at approximately 4PM. Witnesses at the scene reported that Chatunga Mugabe arrived in a convoy of vehicles accompanied by a group of armed men, some wielding AK-47 assault rifles. The group reportedly stormed the mining premises accusing workers of allowing illegal gold panners, known locally as makorokoza, to trespass from the Mugabe estate into the neighbouring mining area.
Eyewitnesses said the situation escalated quickly after a group of suspected illegal miners fled from Grace Mugabe’s property and crossed into the Ultimate Mining site. Chatunga Mugabe and his men reportedly viewed this as a deliberate act of sabotage and blamed the mine workers for repeated intrusions.
A worker who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity described the harrowing ordeal. He said Chatunga personally initiated the attack, punching a security guard before his men joined in the violent assault. The scene soon descended into chaos as employees were beaten with fists, sticks, and other makeshift weapons.
At least three workers sustained serious injuries in the attack. Medical reports from Parirenyatwa Hospital confirmed that victims suffered skull fractures, broken ribs, internal injuries, and severe bruises consistent with blunt and sharp force trauma.
Chatunga Mugabe Arrested Over Armed Assault at Mazowe Mine
One of the most critically injured victims, a security guard identified as Elvis Bvumbwe, remains hospitalised and is reportedly in a life-threatening condition. “They just descended on us without warning,” said one of the injured workers. “They accused us of protecting illegal miners and claimed we were working against the Mugabe family.”
Witnesses said a firearm was discharged during the melee, though it is believed to have gone off accidentally. Still, the sound of gunfire sent workers scrambling for cover, further intensifying the panic and confusion on site.
A mine supervisor, who also tried to de-escalate the situation, was targeted and attacked by the group. He, along with three other workers—identified as Chipara, Muchemwa, and Bvumbwe—was severely beaten during the assault. The supervisor later stated that he attempted to reason with Chatunga Mugabe’s group, only to be accused of “hiring thugs” to undermine the Mugabe family’s interests.
“They said I was responsible for bringing illegal miners to their land. But I have no control over those people,” the supervisor told investigators. “We’ve tried to report trespassing in the past, but nothing has been done.”
Police confirmed the arrest of Chatunga Mugabe and said investigations are ongoing. They also revealed that additional suspects may be apprehended as the case develops. Sources close to the matter say that security footage and medical reports will be presented as part of the prosecution’s evidence.
This latest incident has reignited long-standing tensions surrounding land and mineral rights in Mazowe, an area that has seen numerous conflicts over mining claims in recent years. The Mugabe family has been at the center of several such disputes, with allegations of using political influence to assert control over lucrative mineral-rich land.
Legal analysts say the case could prove to be a significant test for Zimbabwe’s justice system. “This is not just about assault—it raises broader questions about power, privilege, and accountability,” one legal expert commented.
As the case heads to court, public interest continues to grow, with many Zimbabweans waiting to see whether the legal process will proceed without political interference. Meanwhile, the injured workers and their families are calling for justice and protection, fearing further retaliation.
Chatunga Mugabe is expected to appear in court later this week, where formal charges will be presented. If convicted, he could face serious legal consequences, including potential imprisonment for armed assault, inciting violence, and unlawful use of firearms.
Source- iHarare
