Robert Mugabe Jr., the 33-year-old son of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, was detained in Harare after police accused him of illegal drug possession. The arrest took place on October 1, 2025, and has sparked public interest, given his high-profile background and prior legal run-ins.
Robert Mugabe Jr Arrested In Harare On Drug Charges
Police say Mugabe Jr. was pulled over in central Harare after officers noticed him driving the wrong way down a one-way street. According to the prosecution, a search of his silver Honda Fit uncovered two sachets of cannabis weighing about two grams, stashed inside a sling bag he carried. Accompanying items reportedly found include Rizla rolling papers and a small grinder.The drug value is estimated at around US$30.
Mugabe Jr. was arraigned that Thursday in the Harare Magistrate’s Court, before Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki. The court did not immediately grant bail, postponing the bail hearing to a later date. Meanwhile, he was remanded in custody at Harare Central Prison.
Alleged Syndicate and Additional Arrests
The Zimbabwe Republic Police have suggested this case is not isolated to Mugabe Jr. alone. The force claims to have arrested four additional people in connection with a larger drug syndicate allegedly tied to him. These suspects are identified as:
- Mitchel Jackson (28)
- Phillip Munetsi Chiyangwa (26)
- Tanaka Kashamba (25)
ALSO READ: Anita Jaxson Marks Engagement Anniversary in a Heartfelt Return to the Spotlight
Police say they found evidence of a wider operation, including 25 sachets of “Indo hybrid dagga” (a cannabis strain) and six ecstasy pills, during searches connected to the syndicate. The police formally confirmed that Mugabe Jr.’s arrest is tied to allegations of both possession and drug peddling.
Mugabe Jr.’s Court Appearance and Demeanor
When he appeared in court, Mugabe Jr. was dressed informally, wearing track pants and a red cap. He walked slowly into the courtroom, speaking on his cellphone, and was not handcuffed. The prosecutor, Mandirasa Chigumira, presented the findings from the search and the basis for the charges.
Given the serious nature of the allegations, and the police’s claim of syndicate involvement, the court reserved judgment on the bail request pending further review.
Legal Defense & Dispute
Mugabe Jr.’s legal team has denied the allegations. They maintain that the drugs were not his and instead belonged to individuals in a different car. His defense further argues that police exaggerated the quantity of drugs discovered. The dispute over ownership and amounts will likely become key issues in his defense strategy.
Past Incidents & Family Background
This is not the first time Mugabe Jr. has been in trouble with the law. In February 2023, he was arrested after allegedly smashing car windows and damaging property at a party, then spitting at a police officer. That case was later settled out of court after he compensated the affected parties.
Mugabe Jr. is one of several children born to Robert Mugabe and his second wife, Grace. His father had publicly criticized his academic performance in earlier years and once dismissed him as “an undertaker” following poor exam results. Robert Mugabe’s youngest son, Chatunga, has also faced legal trouble, including an arrest in July 2025 over alleged violence toward security guards.
Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s longtime leader from 1980 until 2017, was ousted in a military coup. He died in 2019. The Mugabe name continues to attract attention, especially when family members become embroiled in legal or political controversies.
