Zvikomborero Parafini
THE son of late former President Robert Mugabe, Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, appeared in court yesterday alongside four other men accused of assaulting a security guard at a Harare guest lodge before robbing him of his service pistol loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition.
Chatunga (29), Terence Johannes Chinyemba (31), Fredson Peter (33), Solomon Pamire (34) and Munashe Mubhawo (43) appeared before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai facing robbery and malicious damage to property charges.
They were remanded in custody to today for bail considerations.
According to court papers, the incident occurred on November 3 at around 6.30pm at Brompton Guest Lodge, where security guard Lloyd Panyika Mapanduki (42) was on duty.
The State alleges that the five men, who were also staying at the guest lodge, confronted Mapanduki and attacked him without provocation.
They allegedly slapped him and assaulted him with broomsticks, leaving him with a deep cut on the forehead.
During the attack, one of the accused allegedly seized Mapanduki’s Norinco Star pistol, which was loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition.
The men are also accused of taking his Samsung A56 cellphone from his pocket and smashing it on the ground, allegedly to prevent him from communicating with anyone.
Mapanduki reportedly bled profusely following the assault and was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment.
A police report subsequently led to the arrest of the five men.
Investigators recovered the stolen pistol from Chinyemba’s possession at the guest lodge.
The State is opposing bail, arguing that the accused may abscond, interfere with witnesses, or commit further offences if released.
Police also indicated that there are other pending criminal cases linked to the accused, although the court documents do not specify which individuals are involved in those matters.
Investigators expressed concern that the accused could influence witnesses at the guest lodge to alter their statements.
Police expect to call six witnesses as investigations continue.
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