Robert Mugabe Jnr, the son of Zimbabwe’s late former president Robert Mugabe, has been fined US$300 (R5 100) after being convicted of illegal possession of drugs.
Mugabe’s Guilty plea and suspended sentence
Mugabe, who appeared before Harare magistrate Lisa Mutendereki on Thursday, pleaded guilty to the charge.
H-Metro reports that in addition to the fine, the court sentenced Mugabe to three months in prison. However, the court wholly suspended the jail term for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period.
The arrest of Mugabe Jnr
As reported by ZimLive, police found Mugabe Junior with cannabis and cocaine in early October.
The Drugs and Narcotics section took the 33-year-old into custody and held him at Harare Central Police Station, 263Chat reported.
Reports suggest that authorities found Mugabe Junior with two sachets of dagga and a quantity of white powder believed to be cocaine. He reportedly hid the substances among the cash in his possession.
A rare public brush with the law for Mugabe family
The conviction marks a rare public brush with the law for the Mugabe family. The family is long associated with power, privilege, and political controversy in Zimbabwe.
Mugabe Jnr flaunts his flashy lifestyle and social media presence rather than engaging in politics. He often attends high-end events in Harare and Johannesburg.
His latest legal setback adds to a growing list of headlines involving the children of African political elites facing scrutiny for their personal choices.
Social media reacts
The case has drawn widespread attention on social media, where many Zimbabweans expressed mixed reactions. Some called for leniency due to his cooperation with the court.
Others argued the suspended sentence reflects the preferential treatment often enjoyed by the politically connected.
@ZimJustice: “If it were an ordinary person, they’d be behind bars by now. The Mugabe name still carries privilege.”
@simba34: “US$300 fine? That’s pocket change for him. This is why people have no faith in our justice system.”
@Tariro_M: “At least he owned up and pleaded guilty. Not many would. Hope he learns from this.”
@Chipo_Now: “It’s sad seeing what has become of the Mugabe legacy. From State House to drug charges — how times change.”
@MasimbaWrites: “First time I’ve seen the law touch a Mugabe. Maybe Zimbabwe is finally changing.”
