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Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau

A BEITBRIDGE magistrate has issued a warrant of arrest against the late former President Robert Mugabe’s son, Chatunga Bellarmine (27), who failed to turn up at the court on Monday.

Mugabe was arrested recently following a scuffle with the police manning a security checkpoint at Bubi, some 80km from the border town of Beitbridge, along the road leading to Masvingo.

He was reportedly travelling in a South Africa-registered Range Rover with another friend to Harare where they were set to attend a wedding.

It is alleged that during the scuffle, he manhandled a police officer accusing him of unnecessarily delaying him.

Beitbridge Magistrate, Miss Vavariro Gavi, had to issue a warrant of arrest after the young Mugabe was in no show at the court.

Mugabe, who is being represented by Mr Muchiwande Sithole of F Chauke and Associates, was remanded out of custody for a provisional trial date on free bail during his initial appearance before Beitbridge Resident Magistrate, Mr Takudzwa Gwazemba last month.

He has been charged for contravening sections of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Act) — disorderly conduct and possession of a prohibited knife respectively.

Addressing the court, Mr Sithole said his client had absconded court to undergo surgery in Harare. Prosecuting, District Public Prosecutor, Ms Tinayeishe Matenga said the accused arrived at a security road block at Bubi on August 31 travelling in a black Range Rover that was being driven by his South African friend, Irvin Molokoza.

The vehicle was waived to stop and Molokoza was requested to produce his passport by a police officer and Mugabe allegedly produced his (passport) before his friend could comply.

Molokoza was advised to park by the road side for some security checks and he partially parked on the road and was told to move further away from the main road.

The State alleged that suddenly Mugabe disembarked from the car and started shouting at the police officer for delaying them for the fourth time indicating he was rushing to a wedding in Harare.

He is alleged to have gone on to manhandle the police officer but was subdued by other police officers who upon arresting him found a flick knife on him.