Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the 28-year-old son of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, has appeared before the Concession Magistrates’ Court facing five serious counts of assault. He was jointly charged with his two bodyguards, Peter Fredson and Tinashe Mupawo, in connection with a violent incident that took place at Ultimate Mine in Mazowe on June 25, 2025. The trio, accused of brutalising security guards whom they suspected of harbouring illegal gold miners, were each granted bail of US$200.
According to the State’s version of events, the altercation occurred around 4pm near the boundary separating Ultimate Mine and the Iron Mask farm, a property linked to former First Lady Grace Mugabe. The primary complainant, Ntandoyokuza Nyathi (31), an external security guard at Ultimate Mine, was patrolling with a security dog when the accused allegedly confronted him. They were reportedly pursuing suspected illegal miners fleeing from the Iron Mask side.
One of the accused reportedly fired a shot from an unidentified pistol, prompting the illegal miners to scatter. The trio then allegedly turned on Nyathi, accusing him of protecting the miners. The court heard that they assaulted him with open hands and fists until he fell, and continued the attack by stomping on him while he lay on the ground. They then allegedly forced him to carry a sack of gold ore back to their premises, where they further beat him using wooden logs and an iron bar. Nyathi sustained serious injuries and later filed a report at ZRP Mazowe Police Station. He was subsequently referred to a hospital for treatment and examination.
The second complainant, Philip Chipara, is an internal security supervisor at the same mine. He reportedly heard the gunshot and rushed to the boundary area to investigate. Upon arrival, he witnessed his colleague Nyathi being assaulted. When he questioned the suspects about the violence, they allegedly turned on him and began beating him with fists and booted feet. He was also handcuffed along with another security guard, Elvis Bvumbe, before being released.
The third complainant, Elvis Bvumbe, confirmed that he too was assaulted and unlawfully detained. Two additional guards, Collen Muchemwa and Waddington Mutadza, were also allegedly attacked by Chatunga and his bodyguards, bringing the total number of victims to five. The prosecution stated that all the complainants were on official duty at the time of the incident and that the assaults were unprovoked.
The court was told that the accused individuals took the law into their own hands and acted violently under the belief that the security personnel were aiding illegal miners operating near the Mugabe family’s land. Although the motive remains under investigation, the State argued that the actions of the accused were both unlawful and excessive, especially given that firearms and handcuffs were allegedly involved in detaining and intimidating the complainants.
Magistrate Ruth Moyo presided over the brief court appearance and ordered the release of Chatunga and his co-accused on bail. She also instructed them not to interfere with witnesses or visit the scene of the crime pending the outcome of the investigation. The matter has been postponed to allow for further inquiries.
The case has sparked renewed attention on the Mugabe family, particularly around land ownership, mining disputes, and the use of private security forces in contested areas such as Mazowe. For years, the Iron Mask estate and surrounding properties have been linked to mining controversies and legal wrangles involving the former first family.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed that investigations into the matter are ongoing and more charges could be added, depending on the evidence gathered. Human rights groups have also called for an independent probe, citing concerns over the involvement of firearms and reports of torture-like treatment of the victims.
Chatunga Mugabe, who is the youngest son of Robert and Grace Mugabe, is widely known for his flashy lifestyle on social media but has largely kept out of the political spotlight. His recent arrest marks a rare encounter with the justice system for a member of Zimbabwe’s once-powerful first family.
The accused are expected back in court in the coming weeks as the case unfolds. Meanwhile, legal analysts say the State must ensure transparency in its handling of the case to avoid perceptions of political bias or preferential treatment due to the accused’s high-profile background.
