Zimbabwe's Former President's Son Arrested in Luxury Car Smuggling Case

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, son of Zimbabwe’s late former president Robert Mugabe, found himself in the spotlight once again as he was arrested last week during an investigation into the alleged smuggling of two luxury vehicles into the country. This development comes as part of a broader probe into financial irregularities and highlights the ongoing scrutiny faced by members of the Mugabe family.

The arrest took place on Tuesday at the Brompton Guest Lodge in Harare around 18:30 local time (16:30 GMT) on November 3rd. According to reports, five individuals were taken into custody, all of whom are expected to appear in court on November 5th. Among these detainees is Bellarmine Mugabe, who is reported to be facing assault charges following an altercation with an anti-corruption official. However, this claim is disputed by other sources, which suggest no such incident occurred.

The probe centers around the alleged smuggling of two high-end automobiles—a black Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 and a black Lamborghini Urus—into Zimbabwe. While some outlets have confirmed the seizure of these vehicles, others have cast doubt on this detail, indicating a discrepancy in the reported facts.

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, aged 29, is the youngest son of Robert Mugabe and his second wife, Grace Mugabe. His involvement in this case adds another layer to the narrative, given his history of legal troubles. In April 2023, he was deported from South Africa after admitting to carrying an object resembling a firearm and being in the country illegally. Additionally, he has faced previous charges related to drugs and an attempt at murder in South Africa.

The Mugabe family’s prominence in Zimbabwean politics means that any legal or financial issues involving its members often attract significant attention. This latest case underscores the ongoing impact of the Mugabe era on contemporary Zimbabwean affairs, even years after Robert Mugabe’s ousting in 2017.

What we know

• Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, son of Zimbabwe’s late president Robert Mugabe, was arrested. ¹²³
• The arrest was part of an investigation into the alleged smuggling of two luxury vehicles. ¹²³
• Five individuals were detained, with Bellarmine Mugabe among them. ¹
• The group is set to appear in court on November 5th. ¹
• Bellarmine Mugabe is 29 years old and is the youngest son of Robert Mugabe and Grace Mugabe. ¹²
• He was previously deported from South Africa in April 2023. ²
• Bellarmine Mugabe has faced multiple legal issues, including drug possession charges. ²³

What remains unclear

• Whether two specific luxury vehicles—a black Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 and a black Lamborghini Urus—were indeed seized. ³
• If Bellarmine Mugabe faced assault charges after allegedly attacking an anti-corruption official. ²