Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau

THE son of the late former President, Robert Mugabe, Chatunga Bellarmine (27) was yesterday arrested following a scuffle with police officers manning a security checkpoint at Bubi, 80km from the border town of Beitbridge along the road leading to Masvingo.

Chatunga was reportedly travelling in a South African registered Range Rover vehicle with a 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.

Officer Commanding Beitbridge District, Chief Superintendent Melusi Ncube said the incident occurred at about 6am adding that Mugabe was charged with disorderly conduct and illegal possession of a specified knife.

Mugabe who is being represented by Mr Muchiwande Sithole of F Chauke and Associates briefly appeared before Beitbridge resident magistrate, Mr Takudzwa Gwazemba who did not ask him to plead to the charges.

He was remanded out of custody to 16 September for a provisional trial date.

Addressing the court, Mr Sithole said his client was the one who had been assaulted by a police officer and was still struggling with back pain.

For the State, district public prosecutor, Ms Tinayeishe Matenga said Chatunga  arrived at a security roadblock at Bubi in a black Range Rover that was being driven by his South African friend, Irvin Molokoza.

The vehicle was waved at so that it could  stop and Molokoza was requested to produce his passport by a police officer and Mugabe allegedly produced his before his friend could comply.

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

The State alleged that suddenly Chatunga 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 officers who upon arresting him found a flick knife on him.