HARARE – Prosecutors on Thursday added a robbery charge against former President Robert Mugabe’s son, Bellarmine Chatunga, as he appeared in court alongside four others accused of assaulting a Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission investigator who was conducting surveillance on two vehicles suspected of being smuggled.
The 29-year-old was listed as the first accused in court papers, which also revealed that the four men arrested with him were either his employees or security guards at his family’s farm in Mazowe.
The five faced charges of robbery and malicious damage to property when they appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court on Thursday.
They were arrested on Tuesday following an alleged attack on Panyika Lloyd Mupanduki, 42, a ZACC investigator who was on surveillance duty at Brompton Guest Lodge in Newlands.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Mupanduki was armed with a Norinco Star pistol when Mugabe and the four others allegedly confronted and assaulted him without provocation, using open hands and broomsticks.
One of the accused allegedly seized the pistol, which was loaded with 11 rounds, while Mupanduki’s Samsung A56 mobile phone was taken from his pocket and smashed on the ground.
The investigator sustained a deep cut to his forehead and bled profusely. He is receiving treatment at a local hospital, the NPA said.
Police arrested all five at the scene, recovering the firearm from Chinyemba, who is listed as the second accused.
The NPA says witnesses saw the accused committing the offences and are expected to testify.
Chinyemba, Peter and Pamire were identified as security guards employed at Iron Mask Farm in Mazowe. Mubhawo, who provided a South African address, was listed as a security aide.
The five were remanded in custody until Friday, when they are expected to apply for bail-ZimLive.com. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
