The son of Zimbabwe's former President Robert Mugabe has appeared in a Harare court charged with drug possession. Robert Mugabe Jr, 33, was arrested on Wednesday morning as he drove the wrong way down a one-way street, according to court documents. Police searched a black sling bag he was wearing at the time and allegedly found two small sachets of cannabis.
Following the incident, police said in a statement that five people in a 'syndicate linked to him' were also arrested. Mr Mugabe's lawyer told the BBC they plan to deny the charges, and contested the factual claims made by the police.
Ashiel Mugiya, Mr. Mugabe's lawyer, clarified that the drugs were recovered from a vehicle with three other occupants and claimed police had found 0.02g of cannabis, contrary to the police charge sheet stating they recovered 2g, valued at $30 (£22).
Mr Mugabe wore joggers and a red cap while on his phone as he was led into the magistrates court on Thursday. He was not handcuffed and was surrounded by supporters. The court has remanded him in custody pending a bail ruling on Friday.
For the arrested syndicate members, authorities recovered 25 sachets of marijuana and six ecstasy pills. Police confirmed they will continue investigating the matter.
This is not the first time Mugabe Jr. has been involved in legal issues. In 2023, he faced legal strife when accused of damaging property and spitting on a police officer at a party in Harare. He was later released after reaching an out-of-court settlement.
Former President Mugabe, who died in 2019 at age 95, was a controversial figure who led Zimbabwe for 37 years. The charges against his son raise further questions regarding the Mugabe family's legacy and ongoing dynamics in Zimbabwean politics, especially following Mugabe Sr.'s replacement by former ally Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Following the incident, police said in a statement that five people in a 'syndicate linked to him' were also arrested. Mr Mugabe's lawyer told the BBC they plan to deny the charges, and contested the factual claims made by the police.
Ashiel Mugiya, Mr. Mugabe's lawyer, clarified that the drugs were recovered from a vehicle with three other occupants and claimed police had found 0.02g of cannabis, contrary to the police charge sheet stating they recovered 2g, valued at $30 (£22).
Mr Mugabe wore joggers and a red cap while on his phone as he was led into the magistrates court on Thursday. He was not handcuffed and was surrounded by supporters. The court has remanded him in custody pending a bail ruling on Friday.
For the arrested syndicate members, authorities recovered 25 sachets of marijuana and six ecstasy pills. Police confirmed they will continue investigating the matter.
This is not the first time Mugabe Jr. has been involved in legal issues. In 2023, he faced legal strife when accused of damaging property and spitting on a police officer at a party in Harare. He was later released after reaching an out-of-court settlement.
Former President Mugabe, who died in 2019 at age 95, was a controversial figure who led Zimbabwe for 37 years. The charges against his son raise further questions regarding the Mugabe family's legacy and ongoing dynamics in Zimbabwean politics, especially following Mugabe Sr.'s replacement by former ally Emmerson Mnangagwa.
