Bellarmine Mugabe, the youngest son of Zimbabwe's late former president Robert Mugabe, has been arrested in connection with an assault case, police have confirmed. The arrest occurred on Tuesday during an investigation into the alleged smuggling of two vehicles into Zimbabwe, according to online news site The New Zimbabwe.
Vehicles Seized by Anti-Corruption Commission
Local media reports indicate that the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission has seized the two vehicles at the center of the smuggling probe. Mugabe, 29, is the son of Robert Mugabe and his second wife, Grace Mugabe. The late president, who passed away in 2019, ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years before being forced from power in 2017 at the age of 93.
Police have identified the other suspects arrested alongside Mugabe as Munashe Mubawu, 43, Terrence Johannes Chinyemba, 42, Fredson Peter, 33, and Solomon Pamire, 34. All five were taken into custody in connection with an assault that took place at the Brompton Guest Lodge in Harare at approximately 18:30 local time (16:30 GMT) on 3 November, according to a police statement.
Court Appearance Scheduled
The suspects are due to appear in court on 5 November to face charges related to the assault. The circumstances surrounding the incident at the guest lodge remain unclear, and police have not released further details about the nature of the assault or the alleged smuggling operation.
This is not the first time members of the Mugabe family have faced legal scrutiny. The late president's sons have occasionally made headlines for their activities, but this arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into vehicle smuggling in Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission has been actively pursuing cases of illicit trade and smuggling, which have been a persistent challenge for the country's economy. The seizure of the vehicles suggests a broader crackdown on such activities.
As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the Harare court on 5 November, where Bellarmine Mugabe and his co-accused will have the opportunity to respond to the charges against them. The Mugabe family has not yet issued a statement regarding the arrest.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
