The son of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has once again found himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons. Robert Mugabe Junior, a businessman and socialite well-known for his flashy lifestyle, spent Wednesday night at Harare Central Prison after being arrested on allegations of possessing dagga.
His arrest has drawn intense public attention, with many Zimbabweans curious about how the son of the country’s most iconic political figure could end up facing such charges. On Thursday morning, scores of people gathered outside the Harare Central Police Station to catch a glimpse of Robert Junior as he was escorted to the Harare Magistrates’ Court. Even some police officers reportedly jostled with members of the public to witness the spectacle.
According to police sources, Robert Mugabe Junior’s troubles began late Wednesday when he was allegedly spotted driving erratically as he approached a checkpoint in Harare. The unusual driving pattern immediately drew the attention of officers, who signaled him to stop.
When officers engaged him, they are said to have detected suspicious behavior that prompted a search. It was during this search that three small packets of dagga, locally referred to as “stabs,” were allegedly discovered in his pockets. He was immediately taken into custody and transported to Harare Central Police Station.
National police spokespersons have not released a detailed statement, but preliminary reports confirm that Robert Junior was charged with unlawful possession of a prohibited substance.
Robert Mugabe Junior Arrested for Dagga Possession, Spends Night in Harare Central Prison
Unlike previous brushes with the law where influential figures have sometimes been released swiftly, Mugabe Junior was not spared the experience of spending the night in custody. He was transferred to Harare Central Prison, where he remained until Thursday morning when he was brought before the courts.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic as Mugabe Junior was led out of the police station. Members of the public thronged the entrance, many holding up their phones to capture photos and videos. Some whispered in disbelief while others openly mocked the once powerful Mugabe family, saying the arrest highlighted how far the family had fallen since the death of the former President in 2019.
This is not the first time Robert Mugabe Junior has attracted controversy. Known for his flamboyant lifestyle, expensive designer clothes, and high-profile social events, he has frequently made headlines for partying in Harare’s upscale nightspots.
In recent years, he has also faced court appearances linked to alleged violent incidents and property damage. Each time, his cases have sparked public debate over whether he is treated like an ordinary citizen or shielded by the Mugabe name.
This latest arrest for drug possession has reignited those debates, with some suggesting the law is finally catching up with him. Others, however, argue that his arrest is being sensationalized because of his surname, pointing out that dagga possession cases are not uncommon in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe maintains strict drug laws, with possession of dagga punishable by fines and even jail time depending on the quantity and circumstances. However, there has been growing discussion around the legalization of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes, with the government itself granting licenses to certain companies to cultivate hemp and medicinal cannabis.
Critics argue that this contradiction—allowing large-scale commercial cultivation while arresting small-time users—creates confusion and inconsistency in law enforcement. Robert Junior’s arrest has therefore sparked wider conversations on whether Zimbabwe needs to revisit its cannabis policies.
Public reaction to Robert Mugabe Junior’s arrest has been mixed. On social media platforms, some users expressed schadenfreude, pointing out that the son of the man who once ruled Zimbabwe with an iron fist is now facing humiliation in front of ordinary citizens.
Others expressed sympathy, suggesting that Mugabe Junior, who lost both parents within a span of just a few years, may be struggling with personal issues and resorting to drugs as a coping mechanism. A few called for understanding and rehabilitation rather than harsh punishment, arguing that substance abuse should be addressed as a health issue as well as a criminal one.
As he appeared in court on Thursday morning, Robert Mugabe Junior looked subdued, flanked by police officers and watched closely by curious crowds. The court proceedings are expected to determine whether he will be granted bail or remain in custody as the case progresses.
Legal experts note that, given the relatively small quantity of dagga allegedly found in his possession, the case may result in a fine or community service if he is convicted. However, the high-profile nature of the case could influence how it is handled, with authorities keen to demonstrate that no one is above the law.
For now, Robert Mugabe Junior’s arrest represents another blow to the legacy of the Mugabe family, which has struggled to maintain political or social influence since the passing of the former President. Once associated with untouchable power and privilege, the family name is increasingly appearing in court reports and scandal columns rather than in the corridors of authority.
Whether Robert Mugabe Junior will treat this episode as a wake-up call remains to be seen. For many Zimbabweans, however, the image of him being led to court in police custody is a potent symbol of how dramatically times have changed.
Source- Herald
