- Robert Mugabe's son, Bellarmine Mugabe, appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court on 16 October 2026
- Mugabe was allegedly found with 72 grams of narcotics, which were in the bag of his friend, Max Mugaba
- The case against Bellarmine was withdrawn by the National Prosecuting Authority before he entered a plea
Source: Twitter
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
HARARE — Bellarmine Mugabe, son of the late former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, was released from Harare Magistrates' Court on Wednesday after the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) withdrew drug possession charges against him before he could enter a plea.
According to his lawyer, Simbarashe Mukwekwezeka, Chatunga was driving an unregistered vehicle when he collected his friend Max Mugaba. Officers stopped the car, conducted a search, and reportedly discovered 72 grams of mbanje inside Mugaba's bag.
Prosecutors resolved to pursue the matter against Mugaba alone, and Chatunga walked free.
This is not the first time Chatunga has faced legal difficulties. He has a history of assault cases in Zimbabwe, and earlier in 2026 he was deported from South Africa following separate firearm and immigration charges, having been fined and ordered to leave the country.
Zimbabweans react online
The arrest and subsequent release drew significant comment from Zimbabweans on social media.
@ttchiwandire wrote:
"Mugabe was busy holding on to power and oppressing people while forgetting to be a father at home. It's sad to see what his kids are turning into."
@ChamangaAdmore predicted:
"This guy will forever be in and out of court, but one day he will go to jail for a very long time; mark my words."
@afbimha commented:
"What a sad, sad life the young man is leading. Wish he could somehow turn it around."
@WallsGen asked:
"Shame, so Mugabe failed both the nation and his sons?"
@NMatemai added:
"So boy learnt nothing from all his brushes with the law so far?? Maybe he should have stayed a bit longer in that SA prison."
@LEEYEZZA wrote:
"Ahhh, I'm so tired of this nonsense, boy."
Zimbabwean journalist claimed Mugabe visited SA after deportation
A viral photo allegedly showing Mugabe at a Woolworths store in Waterfall sparked fresh speculation about his whereabouts.
Briefly News reported that Mugabe's lawyers dismissed the circulating image as old and denied he had been in South Africa.
Zimbabwean journalist Maynard Manyowa contradicted the lawyers, claiming Mugabe had crossed into SA about seven times since his deportation.
Source: Briefly News
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