Chatunga Mugabe granted US$100 bail in ZACC official robbery case

The five appeared before magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai with Terence Johannes Chinyemba, Fredson Peter, Solomon Pamire and Munashe Mubhawu, who is described as Mugabe's security aide. They face robbery and malicious damage to property charges.

Bail conditions require the accused to stay at their stated residential addresses, report to the police once a week and not interfere with State witnesses. They are due back in court on 24 November, when a trial date may be allocated.

The State alleges that on 3 November, at about 6.30pm, the complainant was on surveillance duty at a Harare guest lodge when the accused, who were also staying there, confronted him. It alleges they assaulted him with open hands and broomsticks, and that one of them took his service pistol, which was loaded with 11 rounds. The State says the complainant suffered a deep cut to the forehead. The firearm was allegedly recovered from Peter.

The incident allegedly happened during a joint operation by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority targeting two South African-registered luxury vehicles suspected of being illegally retained in Zimbabwe.

The five were remanded in custody on Thursday. State media reported the prosecution was then opposing bail, arguing the accused might abscond, interfere with witnesses or commit further offences. Friday's reports do not say what changed.

Early reports of the arrest referred to the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and, alternatively, the Customs and Excise Act. Court reports since then refer to robbery and malicious damage to property.

The accused are presumed innocent until a court decides otherwise.