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Robert Mugabe Jr., the son of Zimbabwe’s late President Robert Mugabe, has been arraigned in a Harare court on drug possession charges.
The 33-year-old was apprehended Wednesday morning for allegedly driving against traffic on a one-way street, according to official court documents. A subsequent search of a sling bag he was carrying reportedly uncovered two small packets of cannabis.
In a statement following the arrest, police indicated that five individuals allegedly connected to a “syndicate linked to him” have also been taken into custody.
Speaking to the BBC, Mr. Mugabe’s legal counsel stated their intent to contest the charges and disputed the police’s factual account of the events.
Attorney Ashiel Mugiya asserted that the cannabis was found in a vehicle occupied by three individuals and quantified the amount as 0.02g. This contrasts with the police charge sheet, which claims the recovery of 2g, with an estimated street value of $30 (£22).
Mr. Mugabe, clad in casual attire including joggers and a red cap, was observed using his phone while being escorted into the magistrates court Thursday, surrounded by individuals and without handcuffs.
The court has remanded Mr. Mugabe in custody, with a bail ruling scheduled for Friday.
Regarding the purported syndicate members, authorities reported seizing 25 sachets of marijuana and six ecstasy pills.
Police have affirmed that investigations are ongoing.
This incident marks a prior encounter with law enforcement for Mr. Mugabe. In 2023, he faced charges of property damage and assaulting a police officer at a party in Harare, but was later released following an out-of-court settlement.
The former President Mugabe passed away in 2019 at the age of 95, two years after his resignation after 37 years in power.
He spearheaded the fight against white-minority rule in the 1970s – however, he faced accusations of employing violence to secure electoral victories and of devastating Zimbabwe’s economy.
Mugabe Sr’s successor was his former close ally Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Relations between Mnangagwa and the Mugabe family had reportedly been strained, particularly after the family accused the president of betraying Zimbabwe’s former leader.
Grace Mugabe had expressed ambitions to succeed her husband but was reportedly pushed aside by Mnangagwa’s supporters.
Mr. Mugabe Jr. has since reportedly reconciled with Mnangagwa, attending a rally in 2022 where he was publicly welcomed back into the ruling Zanu-PF party.
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