HARARE, ZIMBABWE — Robert Mugabe Jr., the son of Zimbabwe’s late former President Robert Mugabe, has appeared in a Harare court charged with possession of cannabis following his arrest on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old was detained after police stopped him for allegedly driving the wrong way down a one-way street, according to court documents. Police claim they found two small sachets of cannabis during a subsequent search of a black sling bag he was wearing.
Mr. Mugabe was led into the magistrates court on Thursday, where he was remanded in custody. A ruling on his bail application is expected on Friday.
Contested Claims
The former President’s son’s lawyer, Ashiel Mugiya, told the BBC that they plan to deny the drug charges and are contesting the police’s version of events.
Mr. Mugiya claims the drugs were recovered from a car that had three other occupants, and that the quantity was only 0.02g of cannabis. This contradicts the police charge sheet, which alleges they recovered 2g with an estimated street value of $30 (£22).
Police released a statement saying that five other people in a “syndicate linked to him” were also arrested. Authorities claim they found 25 sachets of marijuana and six ecstasy pills on the alleged syndicate members, and stated that investigations will continue.
Background and Family History
This is not Mr. Mugabe Jr.’s first encounter with the law. In 2023, he was arrested over allegations that he damaged property and spat on a police officer at a party in the capital, though he was later freed after reaching an out-of-court settlement with the complainant.
Robert Mugabe Jr. is the second child of the late President and his widow, Grace Mugabe.
His father, Robert Mugabe Sr., died in 2019 at the age of 95, two years after being forced to resign following 37 years in power. Mr. Mugabe Sr. was a liberation hero who led the fight against white-minority rule but was later widely accused of using political violence and destroying Zimbabwe’s economy.
The younger Mr. Mugabe has recently reconciled with the current governing establishment under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, attending a rally in 2022 where he was publicly welcomed back into the ruling Zanu-PF party.
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