MAZOWE – A security guard employed by Ultimate Concession Mine in Mazowe is battling for his life after allegedly being assaulted by Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, and a group of men reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles.
The violent incident took place at a Mazowe farm owned by former First Lady Grace Mugabe.
According to eyewitnesses, the attack was sparked by Chatunga’s anger over alleged repeated incursions by illegal gold panners into his mother’s property. Ultimate Concession Mine operates adjacent to the Mugabe farm.
“We were told our crime was allowing illegal gold panners to trespass on their land,” said one worker, who spoke to ZimLive on condition of anonymity.
Another mine employee claimed that Chatunga personally led the group that launched the assault, accusing the security team of dereliction of duty.
“The next thing we saw were men brandishing AK-47s, and Chatunga among them.
“Our security guard was attacked by Chatunga himself, who shouted, ‘wasiirei vanhu vachipinda mumunda wapresident chaivo?!’ (Why did you allow people to enter the real president’s land?),” the employee said.
The confrontation escalated quickly, with several staff members—including the mine supervisor—reportedly being assaulted. Hospital records showed that the injuries sustained by the victims include multiple fractures to the skull, cheekbone, ribs, and limbs.
“I tried to reason with them, but they accused me of hiring thugs to attack them,” the supervisor said.
Ultimate Concession Mine General Manager Joel Mushoriwa described the attack as brutal and traumatising for his workers.
“We are deeply saddened by these events. The injuries are severe, and so far we’ve incurred over US$2,000 in medical expenses just for initial treatment.
“Our staff are now living in fear. We hope the law takes its course, but it’s difficult when the person involved claims to be above it,” Mushoriwa said.
Despite the severity of the incident, police in Mazowe reportedly did not detain Chatunga. According to witnesses, he openly threatened law enforcement officers, claiming that he had the protection of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“If Mnangagwa hears I’m at Mazowe Police, everyone here will be fired,” he is alleged to have said.
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