Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe is the youngest son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe and former First Lady Grace Mugabe. Known for growing up in one of Africa’s most politically powerful families, his life has attracted public attention for his privileged upbringing, education abroad, social media presence, and occasional controversies. He is 29 years old as of 2026.
Early Life and Family Background
Chatunga was born on 17 February 1997 in Zimbabwe during the height of his father’s presidency. He grew up primarily in the capital, Harare, and within elite political circles, surrounded by heavy security due to his father’s status.
He is the youngest of three children from Robert and Grace Mugabe’s marriage. His siblings include:
- Bona Mugabe – the eldest, who later became a diplomat and was once Zimbabwe’s ambassador to the United Nations.
- Robert Mugabe Jr. – his older brother.
Growing up, Chatunga experienced a lifestyle that contrasted sharply with the economic hardships faced by many Zimbabweans during the later years of his father’s rule. This contrast later became a major source of public criticism.
Education Abroad
Like his siblings, Chatunga received much of his education outside Zimbabwe. He attended private schools in South Africa, where the Mugabe children spent significant time during periods of political tension back home.
Reports have indicated that he studied business-related courses, although detailed academic records are limited in the public domain. His education abroad exposed him to Western culture and luxury lifestyles, which later became visible on his social media platforms.
Public Image and Social Media Controversies
Chatunga became widely known across Africa and internationally due to his social media activity, particularly on Instagram and other platforms where he posted images and videos showcasing:
- Luxury cars (including Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz vehicles)
- Expensive watches and designer clothing
- Party lifestyles and private jet travel
These displays drew criticism, especially from Zimbabweans who were facing severe economic challenges such as hyperinflation, unemployment, and shortages of basic goods at the time.
One particularly controversial moment came when he posted videos appearing to celebrate wealth while Zimbabwe’s economy was struggling. Critics accused him of being disconnected from the realities of ordinary citizens.
Political Upheaval and Exile Period
In November 2017, Robert Mugabe was removed from power after a military intervention that ended his nearly four-decade rule. During this period:
- The Mugabe family temporarily relocated to South Africa.
- Their political influence significantly declined.
- Public scrutiny of family members, including Chatunga, intensified.
After Robert Mugabe’s death in 2019, the family remained politically sensitive figures in Zimbabwean society.
Personal Life
Compared to his father, Chatunga has not taken an active role in formal politics. His life has been more associated with:
- Business interests (though little publicly verified information exists)
- Social media presence
- Family legacy matters following Robert Mugabe’s death
- He is sometimes described as private despite his earlier online visibility. His public appearances have become less frequent in recent years.
Legacy and Public Perception
Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe represents a complex figure shaped by:
- Political dynasty privilege
- Post-colonial African leadership history
- Youth culture and social media exposure
- National economic inequality debates
Controversies and Recent Arrests
Chatunga Mugabe has been involved in several controversies, primarily related to his lavish social media posts and legal troubles. He first attracted major criticism in the 2010s after posting photos and videos flaunting luxury items while Zimbabwe was experiencing severe economic hardship, which many citizens viewed as insensitive. His legal problems escalated in 2025, when he was arrested in Zimbabwe following a violent altercation at a gold mining concession in Mazowe, where multiple people were reportedly injured; he was later granted bail while the case remained unresolved. (IOL)
In February 2026, he was arrested in Johannesburg, South Africa, and charged with attempted murder after a shooting incident at a Hyde Park residence left a gardener critically injured. Authorities also charged him with defeating the ends of justice and firearm-related offences after the weapon used in the incident was not recovered. He appeared in court and remained in custody pending further hearings, with investigations ongoing. (Reuters)
Net Worth
There is no officially confirmed public net worth for Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe, but he is widely believed to have access to significant family wealth accumulated during the long rule of his father, Robert Mugabe. Estimates from media commentary and analysts have often placed his personal wealth in the millions of US dollars, largely derived from family assets, business interests, and property holdings rather than independent ventures. His upbringing at the famous “Blue Roof” mansion in Harare — a symbol of elite privilege — reinforced perceptions that he inherited substantial resources. (IOL)
Much of the perception of his wealth also comes from his public lifestyle. Over the years, Chatunga shared images of luxury cars, designer clothing, expensive watches, and high-end properties in Johannesburg’s affluent suburbs such as Sandton and Hyde Park. However, ownership of some assets has never been fully verified, and analysts note that his financial position is closely tied to the broader Mugabe family fortune rather than a clearly documented personal business empire. (IOL)
