The son of Zimbabwe’s late former president Robert Mugabe was arrested over allegations he damaged property while attending a party in Harare’s upmarket Strathaven suburb over the weekend.
Robert Junior, 31, was arrested on Sunday and reportedly held at Avondale police station in Harare.
Zimbabwe Republic Police said Robert Jnr was arrested for “malicious damage to property” worth $12,000 (R217,515) after a complaint by a friend.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that Robert Tinotenda Mugabe (Junior) has been arrested on malicious damage to property allegations after a complaint by his friend, Nkatazo Sindiso, 31, that he destroyed property worth $12,000 at a house in Verdi Lane, Strathaven, Harare. He will appear in court in due course,” read the statement.
Robert Jnr appeared at Harare magistrate’s court, where he faced charges of destroying cars and other property.
Speaking after his court appearance, Robert Jnr’s lawyers said charges had not been withdrawn, but the national prosecuting authority had “given the accused and complainant an opportunity to negotiate”.
Robert Jnr is the second child of the former president with his widow, Grace Mugabe. Robert Jnr and his younger sibling, Bellarmine Chatunga, are known for their champagne lifestyle and throwing lavish parties.
Former president Robert Mugabe died in 2019 at the age of 95, two years after he was forced to hand over power to President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The arrest of Robert Jnr happened on the eve of a public holiday, “National Youth Day” on February 21 — the former president’s birthday.
Relations between the Mugabe family and the ruling Zanu-PF party had turned sour, but last year Robert Jnr reconciled with Mnangagwa and attended a rally where he was welcomed back into the ruling party.
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