Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe
Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1997 (age 28–29) |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Parents |
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Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe (born 1997) is a Zimbabwean entrepreneur and the youngest son of the late Robert Mugabe, the first prime minister and second president of Zimbabwe, and his second wife, Grace Mugabe.[1][2] He is known for his lavish lifestyle, business interests in the entertainment sector, and high-profile legal proceedings in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.[3][4]
Early life and family
[edit]Chatunga was born in 1997 in Harare, Zimbabwe, during his father's presidency. He grew up at the family's "Blue Roof" residence in Borrowdale, Harare.[5] He is the youngest of three children born to Robert and Grace Mugabe; his elder siblings are Bona and Robert Jr. He also has a half-brother, Russell Goreraza. Following the 2017 Zimbabwean coup d'état and the subsequent death of his father in 2019, Mugabe relocated primarily to Johannesburg, South Africa.[6]
Business career
[edit]Mugabe has been active in the South African and Zimbabwean entertainment industries. In 2017, Mugabe and his brother Robert Jr. launched Big Apple 6, a promotions and entertainment company based in Johannesburg. The venture was designed to manage event promotions and music collaborations across the region.[7] He has been associated with luxury branding and streetwear initiatives, often utilizing his social media presence to promote high-end fashion and lifestyle brands.[8]
Legal issues
[edit]Zimbabwe (2025)
[edit]In 2025, Mugabe was arrested in Zimbabwe following a violent confrontation at a gold mining concession in Mazowe. He was charged with several counts of assault and was released on bail.[9]
South Africa (2026)
[edit]In February 2026, Mugabe was arrested in Johannesburg following a shooting incident at his home at Hyde Park. A 23-year-old employed as a gardener was reportedly shot in the back and left in a critical condition. The gun has never been found despite attempts by the South African Police Service using sniffer dogs and draining the swimming pool at the property.[10][11][12] Mugabe and his co-accused, Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze, faced several charges, including attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, defeating the ends of justice, and violations of the Immigration Act.[13] On March 11, 2026, Mugabe abandoned his bail application at the Alexandra Magistrate's Court. By late-March 2026, his defence team indicated that plea negotiations with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) were at an advanced stage.[14][15][16]
Mugabe was fined R400 000 for pointing a gun in an unrelated case and R200 000 for being in South Africa illegally and was immediately deported from South Africa to Zimbabwe. The victim was also compensated R400 000 by Mugabe.
References
[edit]- ↑ "Bellarmine Mugabe in court: What has happened to the family after losing power in Zimbabwe". www.bbc.com. 2026-03-11. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ↑ Savage, Rachel (2026-02-23). "Robert Mugabe's son charged with attempted murder over Johannesburg shooting". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ↑ Maromo, Jonisayi (2022-08-17). "High life to handcuffs | What we know about the life of Chatunga Mugabe". IOL. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ↑ "Mugabe's son Chatunga Bellarmine charged with attempted murder in SA". www.thezimbabwean.co. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ↑ Maromo, Jonisayi (2020-08-14). "The high life of Chatunga Mugabe: From the Blue Roof to Hyde Park mansions and courtrooms". The Star. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ↑ Thornycroft, Peta (2024-10-21). "Mugabe's drop-out sons have made Joburg home". IOL. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ↑ "VOA Zimbabwe". Voice of America. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ↑ "The Zimbabwe Independent - The Leading Business Weekly". The Zimbabwe Independent. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ↑ Maromo, Jonisayi (2020-08-14). "The high life of Chatunga Mugabe: From the Blue Roof to Hyde Park mansions and courtrooms". The Star. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ↑ Seleka, Ntwaagae (19 February 2026). "Robert Mugabe's son arrested in Joburg for allegedly shooting gardener". News24. Retrieved 12 May 2026.
- ↑ Eyaaz (2026-02-23). "Gun charge compounds trouble as Mugabe son's bail bid is delayed". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ↑ Savage, Rachel (2026-02-23). "Robert Mugabe's son charged with attempted murder over Johannesburg shooting". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ↑ Presse, Agence France; Press, The Associated. "South Africa police arrest son of former Zimbabwe leader Robert Mugabe". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ↑ Mashishi, Naledi (2026-03-11). "Bellarmine Mugabe drops bail application, seeks plea agreement on attempted murder, gun charges". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ↑ "WATCH LIVE | Bellarmine Mugabe and co-accused back in court". TimesLIVE. 2026-03-24. Retrieved 2026-03-24.
- ↑ Zimbabwe, New (2026-03-24). "More nights in jail for Chatunga Mugabe as case is postponed again over plea deal delays". NewZimbabwe.com. Retrieved 2026-03-24.