MAZOWE, Zimbabwe – A security guard is fighting for his life following a violent attack at a mining site in Mazowe, reportedly carried out by Bellarmine Chatunga, the son of the late former President Robert Mugabe, and a group of armed men allegedly carrying AK-47 rifles.
The confrontation took place around 4PM on Wednesday at the Ultimate Mining concession, located adjacent to Grace Mugabe’s property. Witnesses claim Chatunga stormed the area with an armed entourage, accusing mine staff of permitting illegal gold panners to trespass onto his mother’s estate.
“They said we were allowing intruders to cross into their land,” said one mine employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to fear of retaliation.
The situation escalated after the alleged trespassers reportedly fled into Ultimate Mining territory. Chatunga and his group accused the mine’s security of negligence, which allegedly led to a violent response.
“Armed men appeared out of nowhere, and Chatunga was among them,” a witness recalled. “He shouted, ‘Why did you allow people to enter the real president’s land?’ Then he attacked our guard.”
Several workers sustained serious injuries in the ensuing chaos. Medical assessments reviewed by ZimLive confirm skull, rib, cheekbone, and limb fractures among at least three victims. A firearm was reportedly discharged accidentally during the melee.
A supervisor who tried to mediate the situation was also assaulted, alongside employees identified as Chipara, Muchemwa, and security guard Elvis Bvumbwe.
“I attempted to calm things down, but they accused me of organizing an ambush,” the supervisor said, presenting medical scans showing a broken nose and fractured cheekbone.
Victims allege they were marched approximately 200 meters into the Mugabe compound, where they were drenched with water and beaten repeatedly with metal rods and wooden sticks. Doctors reported that Bvumbwe suffered multiple fractures while attempting to protect himself during the assault.
Medical documentation from Dr. Motto Hope at Parirenyatwa Hospital, compiled at the request of Mazowe Police, confirms Bvumbwe sustained a fractured left ulna and extensive blunt and sharp trauma injuries—classified as serious and potentially lasting.
Police formally requested a medical affidavit, stating: “Patient was assaulted all over the body and sustained injuries to the head, back, and left hand.”
Last Dube, a colleague who accompanied the victims to the hospital, said: “When police saw how badly injured they were, they advised us to prioritize medical treatment. They feared the victims might not survive the trip to the police station.”
Due to their condition, the victims had to be wheeled into Parirenyatwa Hospital.
Despite the gravity of the situation, witnesses claim Chatunga remained unapologetic. At Mazowe Police Station, he allegedly warned: “If President Mnangagwa hears I’m here, everyone will lose their jobs.” Witnesses say the officer-in-charge then withdrew to his vehicle, and Chatunga left without being taken into custody.
Ultimate Mining General Manager Joel Mushoriwa expressed concern over the incident and its aftermath.
“Our workers are traumatized. The injuries are grave, and we’ve already spent over US$2,000 on initial medical costs. We’re relying on justice to prevail, but it’s disheartening when the accused suggests he’s above the law,” Mushoriwa said.
The incident was officially recorded under RRB number 6347367 at Mazowe Police Station. Attempts to get a comment from national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
