Robert Mugabe Junior granted bail amid police probe into a wider drug syndicate.
Robert Mugabe Junior, the 33-year-old son of the late former President Robert Mugabe, has been granted bail of US$300 after spending two nights in custody.
The ruling by Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki on Friday, 3 October 2025, comes as the Zimbabwe Republic Police continues to allege his connection to a much wider drug peddling syndicate.
The Bail Ruling: Freedom with Conditions
Magistrate Mutendereki ordered that Mugabe Jr. be released on US$300 bail, but attached strict conditions to ensure his compliance with the ongoing investigation. Prosecutor Mandirasa Chigumira detailed the terms in court:
- He must report every Friday to the CID Drugs and Narcotics division.
- He is required to reside at his given address (25 Budleigh Close, Helensview, Borrowdale) until the matter is finalised.
- He must not interfere with state witnesses.
His next court appearance is scheduled for 22 October 2025.
Two Conflicting Narratives: Possession vs. Peddling
In court, the prosecution's case against Mugabe Jr. personally was based on the items found during his initial traffic stop on October 1st. Prosecutor Chigumira stated that a search of his bag revealed "two sachets of dagga, one pack of Rizla, and a white dagga crusher." The total weight was 2 grams, with an estimated street value of just US$30.
However, an official police press statement released on October 2nd paints a far more serious picture. It alleges a much larger recovery from the "syndicate" as a whole, including "25 sachets of Indo hybrid dagga and six ecstasy pills." This discrepancy suggests that while Mugabe Jr.'s personal charge is minor, the police are investigating him for a central role in a larger drug distribution network.
The Alleged Syndicate Members
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of five other individuals allegedly part of the network. This includes the son of a prominent businessman, raising the profile of the case significantly. The full list of the accused is:
- Mitchel Jackson (28)
- Simbarashe Kaseke (37)
- Wellington Ncube (19)
- Phillip Munetsi Chiyangwa (26)
- Tanaka Kashamba (25)
Background: A Pattern of Legal Troubles
This is not Robert Jr.'s first encounter with law enforcement. In February 2023, he was arrested for malicious damage to property after a "drunken incident" at a party. That case was withdrawn after he paid compensation. His younger brother, Bellarmine Chatunga, was also arrested in July 2025 in connection with a violent incident at a mine in Mazowe, which left several workers hospitalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
He was granted US$300 bail and must report to the CID Drugs and Narcotics division every Friday. He is also required to remain at his given residential address and not interfere with witnesses until the case is finalized.
Robert Mugabe Jr. is scheduled to return to court on 22 October 2025, as police continue their investigations into the alleged drug peddling syndicate.
David (Sales)