Robert Mugabe Jr Faces Drug Possession Charges in Harare Court

October 3,2025

Robert Mugabe Jr, the 33-year-old son of Zimbabwe's late former president Robert Mugabe, appeared before a Harare magistrates court on Thursday facing drug possession charges following his arrest earlier this week.

The Arrest

According to court documents, Mugabe Jr was arrested Wednesday morning after police stopped him for driving the wrong way down a one-way street in the Zimbabwean capital. During the encounter, officers searched a black sling bag he was wearing and allegedly discovered two small sachets of cannabis.

The accused appeared in court wearing joggers and a red cap, surrounded by supporters but not handcuffed. He spent much of his time on his phone as he was led into the courthouse.

Conflicting Accounts

Mugabe Jr's legal team has indicated they will contest the charges. His lawyer, Ashiel Mugiya, told the BBC that the drugs were actually found in a vehicle occupied by three other people, not on his client's person.

There is also a significant discrepancy in the amount of cannabis allegedly recovered. While police charge sheets claim officers found 2 grams of cannabis with a street value of $30, Mugiya maintains that only 0.02 grams were discovered.

Syndicate Allegations

In a statement released following the arrest, Zimbabwe police announced that five additional individuals connected to what they described as a "syndicate linked to him" were also taken into custody. During those arrests, authorities reportedly seized 25 sachets of marijuana and six ecstasy pills. Police have stated they will continue their investigation.

Previous Legal Troubles

This is not Mugabe Jr's first encounter with law enforcement. In 2023, he was arrested on allegations of damaging property and spitting on a police officer during a party in Harare. That case was resolved through an out-of-court settlement with the complainant, who was reportedly a friend.

Court Proceedings

The magistrates court remanded Mugabe Jr in custody, with a bail ruling scheduled for Friday. His legal team is preparing to deny all charges.

Family Background

Robert Mugabe Jr is the second child of the late Robert Mugabe and his widow, Grace Mugabe. The elder Mugabe died in 2019 at age 95, two years after being forced to resign following 37 years leading Zimbabwe. While celebrated for leading the fight against white-minority rule in Rhodesia during the 1970s, Mugabe Sr was later accused of electoral violence and economic mismanagement.

Relations between the Mugabe family and current President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Mugabe Sr's former right-hand man were initially strained following the 2017 transition of power. Grace Mugabe had harbored ambitions of succeeding her husband but was sidelined by Mnangagwa's supporters, who the family accused of betrayal.

However, Mugabe Jr has since publicly reconciled with the ruling establishment, attending a Zanu-PF party rally in 2022 where he was welcomed back into the fold.

The case continues.

source: BBC Africa