HARARE – Robert Junior Mugabe, the son of the late former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe, is now subject to an arrest warrant after failing to appear in court for his trial on charges of possessing dangerous drugs. The warrant was issued by Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki after Mugabe Junior, 33, failed to respond to repeated calls outside the courtroom.
The court was informed that three witnesses, who were present and ready to testify, would be summoned again once the accused is located.
This development follows Mugabe Junior’s initial arrest on October 1st, when he was charged with the unlawful possession of dangerous drugs. He had been granted bail of US$300.
According to court documents, Mugabe was apprehended on October 1st at approximately 0830 hours while driving a Honda Fit against on-coming traffic along Sam Nujoma Street Extension Road. Police officers conducted a search of the vehicle, which led to the discovery of two sachets of mbanje (cannabis), a packet of Rizla rolling papers, and a dagga grinder. The seized dagga weighed two grams and had an estimated street value of USD$30.
Adding to the severity of the situation, reports indicate that Mugabe was driving against on-coming traffic along 2nd Street Extension when he was initially stopped by police last month. One wouldn’t know whether the alleged dagga was already taking effect, or he was just being mischievous.
Prosecutor Mandirasa Chigumira informed the Harare Magistrates Court that officers discovered the cannabis, Rizla papers, and grinder inside a sling bag Mugabe was carrying when they stopped his silver Honda Fit and conducted a search.
Mugabe, who resides at Budleigh Close in Helensview, was dressed casually in a track bottom, jacket, and a red cap when he arrived at the Harare Magistrates’ Court for his initial hearing. He was not handcuffed and was seen speaking on his phone as he walked slowly into the courthouse.
Mugabe Junior’s arrest occurred amidst a broader crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse in Zimbabwe, which authorities have identified as a significant contributor to crime and unemployment-related social problems throughout the country.
Further investigations by law enforcement have revealed potential links between Mugabe Junior and a wider drug syndicate. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that investigations are ongoing into the alleged drug ring, which may also involve Phillip Munetsi Chiyangwa, the son of businessman Phillip Chiyangwa.
Upon questioning, Ncube implicated Simbarashe Kaseke, his employer, as the owner of the drugs. Kaseke was subsequently found at the house and searched, leading to the discovery of 15 transparent sachets of Indo Hybrid dagga and four pink Ecstasy pills, which were seized from his back pockets.
Following his initial arrest, Robert Mugabe Junior was granted US$300 bail by Harare magistrate Lisa Mutendereki on Friday, October 10, 2025. As part of his bail conditions, he was required to report every Friday at the Criminal Investigations Department and reside at his stated address until the case is finalised. He was scheduled to return to court on October 22, a date he failed to honour, leading to the issuance of the current arrest warrant.
This is not Mugabe Junior’s first encounter with the law. In February 2023, he was arrested during a drunken rampage at a house party after allegedly smashing vehicle windscreens and destroying household property. However, the case was withdrawn after he paid compensation for the damages.
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