HARARE – Robert Mugabe Jnr, son of the late former President Robert Mugabe, has been handed a three-month prison sentence, wholly suspended for five years, after being convicted of possessing dagga. The Harare Provincial Magistrate’s Court delivered the sentence on Thursday, following Mugabe Jnr’s arrest last month.
The 33-year-old appeared before Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki, where he pleaded guilty to the charge of illegally possessing two grammes of marijuana. In addition to the suspended sentence, Mugabe Jnr was also fined US$300.
The court heard that should Mugabe Jnr be found in possession of drugs again within the next five years, he will be compelled to serve the three-month prison term without the option of paying a fine.
Magistrate Mutendereki, in passing sentence, acknowledged that the quantity of drugs involved in the case was relatively small. However, she emphasised the crucial role of the courts in combating the rising tide of drug and substance abuse.
“The court, in coming up with the appropriate sentence, considered that he’s a youthful offender who pleaded guilty and didn’t waste the court’s time and deserves leniency,” she stated. “The offence has become prevalent and the court must be seen to be playing a part in the fight against drug and substance abuse.”
Regarding the fine, Magistrate Mutendereki added, “Considering the quantity, which is quite insignificant, the court orders the now convicted to pay a fine of US$300; failure to pay will result in four months imprisonment. In addition, he is sentenced to three months imprisonment which has been wholly suspended on condition that doesn’t commit a similar offence in the next five years, which upon conviction he will be sentenced to three months imprisonment without the option of a fine.”
During the court proceedings, Mugabe Jnr appealed for leniency, citing his personal circumstances. “I am a farmer, a single father of two, earning US$7 000 a month, a first-time offender, and I pleaded on my own accord,” he told the court.
The State’s case, presented by Polite Chikiwa, outlined the circumstances of Mugabe Jnr’s arrest. In October, police officers from ZRP Avondale, conducting a traffic blitz along Second Street Extension in Harare, stopped Mugabe Jnr. He was driving a silver Honda Fit vehicle (registration number AGY 5850) against the flow of traffic.
A subsequent search of his black sling bag, which he was wearing across his chest, led to the discovery of two sachets of dagga, a pack of rolling paper, and a white dagga crusher. The marijuana seized was estimated to have a street value of US$30.
Mugabe Jnr was initially granted bail of $300 following his arrest. However, a warrant for his arrest was issued last week after he failed to appear in court for a routine remand hearing. The warrant was later cancelled, and he appeared in court on Thursday.
It is understood that the Zimbabwe Republic Police had been investigating potential links between Mugabe Jnr and alleged drug dealing cartels operating in Harare, which reportedly involve the offspring of prominent figures in the country.
The sentencing comes against a backdrop of heightened national concern over drug and substance abuse. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has publicly declared a zero-tolerance policy on the issue, describing it as a “moral cancer” and a grave threat to Zimbabwean society. The government has pledged to intensify efforts to combat drug trafficking and provide support for those struggling with addiction.
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