Robert Mugabe Jr, the son of Zimbabwe’s late former President, has been formally charged with drug possession following a traffic stop in Harare. The 33-year-old was detained after allegedly driving against traffic and was later found with two sachets of cannabis, according to police records.
Authorities say the arrest forms part of a broader operation that led to the detention of five other individuals allegedly connected to a drug syndicate. Mugabe Jr was presented at the Harare Magistrates’ Court, where his bail status is currently under review.
What Led to the Arrest?
The incident unfolded early Wednesday morning when Mugabe Jr was reportedly seen driving the wrong way on a one-way street. Police stopped the vehicle and searched, during which officers allegedly discovered cannabis in a black sling bag he was wearing.
He was not alone at the time. His legal team has argued the drugs may have belonged to other individuals present in the vehicle. They also disputed the reported drug quantity, stating it was only 0.02 grams—far less than the 2 grams cited by police in official documents.
Who Else Was Involved?
In the same operation, law enforcement arrested five additional individuals believed to be part of a network tied to Mugabe Jr. Officers recovered 25 sachets of marijuana and six ecstasy pills from the group.
While Mugabe Jr remains in custody awaiting a bail decision, police emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and may lead to more charges or arrests. Authorities have confirmed their commitment to dismantling drug-related syndicates in the capital. Read another article on the Swedish Queen of Trash
Has He Faced Legal Trouble Before?
This is not the first time Mugabe Jr has faced legal scrutiny. In 2023, he was arrested over allegations of property damage and misconduct at a private party in Harare. That case was resolved through an out-of-court settlement with the complainant, a personal acquaintance.
Despite these incidents, Mugabe Jr has remained active in public and political circles, appearing at events hosted by Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU-PF.
How Are Political Ties Impacting the Case?
The Mugabe family once had a tense relationship with current President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who succeeded Robert Mugabe in 2017. Grace Mugabe, the late president’s widow, was once seen as a potential successor but was sidelined by Mnangagwa’s rise.
However, Mugabe Jr has since made public efforts to rebuild ties. In 2022, he attended a political rally where he was openly welcomed back into the ZANU-PF fold.
Whether these political developments will influence the outcome of the current drug possession case remains uncertain, but the situation is attracting national attention.
Final Thoughts
The legal proceedings involving Robert Mugabe Jr have once again brought the Mugabe name into Zimbabwe’s spotlight—this time under the cloud of drug possession. As the court prepares to rule on bail and the investigation widens, the case underscores growing concern over substance abuse and high-profile accountability in the country. Regardless of the outcome, the issue may reshape public and political perceptions moving forward.
