By MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA
A Harare magistrate has issued a warrant of arrest for Robert Mugabe Junior, son of the late former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe, after he failed to appear in court for trial on allegations of possessing dangerous drugs.
Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki granted the warrant after calling Mugabe Junior’s name three times without a response. The court noted that his absence constituted a violation of his bail conditions, as he was released on bail pending trial.
Mugabe Junior was arrested last month for allegedly being in possession of dagga (cannabis). According to court papers, the incident occurred during a police traffic blitz in Harare, when he was stopped for driving against a one-way street along Second Street Extension.
Prosecutors allege that police officers found two sachets of dagga, a pack of rizla rolling papers, and a dagga crusher in his sling bag. The recovered substances, which weighed two grams and were valued at about US$30, were confirmed to be cannabis following verification at the Harare Main Post.
The case has sparked widespread public interest, given Mugabe Junior’s high-profile background. Authorities have yet to comment on efforts to locate and bring him before the court following the warrant.
