Former President Robert Mugabe’s son, Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and his four co-accused were remanded in custody pending a bail hearing, this Friday, after appearing before Harare magistrate, Tapiwa Kuhudzai, on Thursday facing charges of robbery and malicious damage to property arising from an alleged assault and theft incident at a Harare guest lodge.
Chatunga, who is represented by lawyers Tabison Bvekwa and Theophilus Mubhemi, appeared alongside Munashe Mubawu (43), Terrence Johannes Chinyemba (42), Fredson Peter (33) and Solomon Pamire (34).
According to court papers, the alleged incident occurred on November 3 at around 6.30pm at Brompton Guest Lodge in Harare, where the five accused were staying as guests.
The State alleges that the group confronted security guard Lloyd Panyika Mapanduki (42), who was on duty at the premises, before assaulting him using open hands and broomsticks.
Prosecutors allege that Mapanduki sustained a deep cut to his forehead and suffered injuries that resulted in heavy bleeding.
During the alleged attack, the accused are also said to have forcibly taken the security guard’s loaded service pistol and his Samsung A56 mobile phone.
The court heard that the phone was subsequently smashed against the ground, resulting in damage.
A police report was later made, leading to the arrest of the five suspects.
According to the State, investigations resulted in the recovery of some of the allegedly stolen property, including the service pistol, which was reportedly found in Chinyemba’s possession.
Mapanduki is receiving medical treatment at a local hospital for injuries sustained during the alleged assault.
The five accused remain in custody and are expected to appear before the same court on Friday for a bail hearing.
