Robert Mugabe’s son appears in court to face drug-related charges

The son of Zimbabwe’s former President Robert Mugabe has appeared in a Harare court, facing charges of drug possession.

Robert Mugabe Jr, 33, was apprehended on Wednesday morning after driving down a one-way street in the wrong direction, according to court documents.

A subsequent search of a black sling bag he was wearing at the time allegedly uncovered two small sachets of cannabis. Following the incident, police stated that five individuals linked to him in a “syndicate” were also apprehended. Mr Mugabe’s lawyer intends to contest the charges and has disputed the factual claims made by the police.

Ashiel Mugiya stated that the drugs were recovered from a vehicle occupied by three other individuals, and that police found 0.02g of cannabis, contradicting the police charge sheet’s claim of 2g, with a street value of $30 (£22).

Mr Mugabe, wearing joggers and a red cap, was led into the magistrates court on Thursday while on his phone, surrounded by people and without handcuffs.

The court has remanded Mr Mugabe in custody pending a bail ruling on Friday.

Police arrested alleged syndicate members and seized 25 sachets of marijuana and six ecstasy pills. The authorities have pledged to continue investigating the matter.

This is not Mr. Mugabe’s first experience with the law, as he was previously arrested in 2023 for allegedly damaging property and spitting on a police officer at a party in Harare. He was freed after agreeing to an out-of-court settlement with the complainant.

Former President Mugabe passed away in 2019 at the age of 95, two years after being forced to resign following a 37-year rule.

He led the fight against white-minority rule in the 1970s, but was later accused of using violence to win elections and destroying Zimbabwe’s economy.

Mugabe Sr was replaced by his former right-hand man Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Relations between Mnangagwa and the Mugabe family had been fraught after they accused the incumbent president of betraying Zimbabwe’s long-time leader.

Grace had harbored ambitions of succeeding her husband but was sidelined by Mnangagwa’s supporters.

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

SOURCE: BBC NEWS