Harare, Zimbabwe | A troubling pattern of alleged lawlessness is emerging around Harare businessman Blessed “Boss JB” Charakupa, raising fresh questions about whether political branding and perceived proximity to power are being used to mask criminal behaviour.
Charakupa, a nightclub owner who frequently appears in public wearing Zanu PF regalia and is often described as a party benefactor, is now linked to a growing list of serious criminal allegations — ranging from armed robbery and violent assaults to resisting arrest, land invasions and contempt of court.
The latest scandal unfolded this week after three of his employees — Wallace Dekwende, Charles Sinoia and Tendai Samanyai — appeared before Harare regional magistrate Jessie Kufa, accused of participating in a violent armed robbery spree allegedly involving Charakupa himself.
The trio was released on US$500 bail each and were not asked to plead.
Prosecutors allege that in the early hours of September 30 last year, Charakupa and his accomplices targeted two homes in Marlbereign and Highfield, stealing property worth more than US$128 000.
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At the Marlbereign residence of Emmanuel Kazingizi, the gang allegedly forced entry, threatened occupants and made off with a Toyota Fortuner valued at US$53 000, eight laptops, cash and clothing. Charakupa is accused of firing a gunshot into the air and assaulting Kazingizi while accusing him of theft.
Only about half of the stolen property has been recovered.
On the same night, the suspects allegedly struck again at a Highfield home belonging to Kudakwashe Mutandwa, where a gun was allegedly pointed at the victim and he was assaulted with a whipping rope and a hammer. Property worth US$6 000 was stolen, and none has been recovered.
Charakupa had already appeared in court in October last year on similar charges and was granted US$1 000 bail.
However, these are far from the only allegations dogging the controversial businessman.
In a separate matter last year, Charakupa was arrested and charged with resisting arrest, incitement to commit public violence, criminal trespass and contempt of court. He was granted US$150 bail.
The State alleges that despite being served with a High Court provisional order barring him from construction activities at properties along Chaminuka Street in Mbare, Charakupa wilfully ignored the directive and continued building.
When council officials and police attempted to enforce the order in July 2024, Charakupa allegedly mobilised a group of accomplices who confronted officers, resisted arrest and incited violence. Police were reportedly forced to fire warning shots and retreat after being overwhelmed.
In an even more brazen incident, detectives later tracked Charakupa to Vito Complex in Mbare. During his arrest, his bouncers allegedly attacked police officers, forcibly removed handcuffs, seized handcuff keys and fled with him. The officers sustained injuries.
Charakupa only resurfaced days later, surrendering himself at ZRP Mbare in the company of his lawyer.
Beyond criminal charges, Charakupa and his company, JB Family, have also been embroiled in a bitter property dispute with the City of Harare, amid accusations of land baronism.
Council officials and elected leaders have publicly denied that JB Family had any legal claim to a property in Mbare that was allegedly seized, demolished and converted into tuckshops. The site had reportedly been earmarked for vocational training and rehabilitation under a council lease agreement with another entity.
Harare mayor Jacob Mafume confirmed that JB Family was not the lawful occupant and warned that any illegal developments would be demolished. Ward councillors and residents accused the company of destroying community infrastructure and undermining youth development initiatives.
City authorities have since launched investigations into how the land was occupied and whether laws were violated.
With armed robbery charges, violent confrontations with police, alleged court order defiance and land disputes all converging around one individual, critics are increasingly questioning whether political symbolism is being weaponised to intimidate authorities and victims alike.
As the courts continue to hear the cases, the unfolding saga has reignited debate over selective enforcement of the law, political protection and the dangerous blurring of lines between power, money and criminality.
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