Robert Mugabe Jnr issued with warrant of arrest

A warrant of arrest has been issued for Robert Mugabe Junior, the son of the late former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe, after he failed to appear in court for trial on charges of unlawful possession of dangerous drugs.

Mugabe Junior, 33, was supposed to stand trial before Harare magistrate Lisa Mutendereki but failed to attend, prompting the court to issue the warrant after the court orderly called his name three times outside the courtroom.

The case, which has drawn public attention due to Mugabe Junior's high-profile background, stems from his arrest on October 1. He was charged with possession of dagga and later released on US$300 bail.

According to court papers, Mugabe Junior was arrested around 8:30 am while driving a Honda Fit along Sam Nujoma Street Extension in Harare. Police officers conducted a search of the vehicle, leading to the discovery of two sachets of dagga, a packet of Rizla rolling papers, and a dagga crusher.

Authorities said the seized dagga weighed approximately two grams, with an estimated street value of US$30.

During the court session, three witnesses who had been summoned to testify were advised that they would be called again once Mugabe Junior has been located and brought before the court.

Mugabe Junior, who has previously been linked to a string of high-profile social events and controversies, now faces arrest after failing to comply with his bail conditions.