Harare, Zimbabwe — Two sons of former President Robert Mugabe were detained at the weekend on separate allegations, local sources said adding new legal difficulties for a family long at the center of public attention. Robert Mugabe Jr. 34, was booked after police found a small quantity of cannabis in his car during a routine traffic stop, officials familiar with the case report.
His younger half — brother, Bellarmine Mugabe, 29, is being held on suspicion of attempted murder related to an alleged assault during a neighbour dispute at their Borrowdale residence. Both men appeared before a magistrate on Monday. Robert Jr.
Was granted bail; Bellarmine remains in custody pending a further court date investigators confirmed.
The arrests come six years after the death of their father, who led Zimbabwe for nearly four decades until a 2017 military intervention. Since leaving office, some members of the Mugabe family have faced accusations ranging from illegal firearm possession to assault.
Neither son has previously been convicted of a serious offence, according to court records reviewed by local reporters.
Prosecutors did not outline motives in either case. Defence lawyers said the brothers will plead not guilty when trial begins.
A remand hearing for Bellarmine has been set for early March; police said enquiries continue. Court papers show Robert Jr. Was ordered to report to a Harare police station weekly while on bail and to avoid interfering with witnesses.
Interior officials have so far issued no formal statement about the detentions. Spokespeople for the Mugabe family declined immediate comment when contacted by local media on Tuesday.
The family’s political influence has waned since the patriarch’s removal, though their business interests remain active in mining and farming.
Analysts contacted by local press said any extended legal setback could further weaken the family’s standing with government institutions now dominated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s allies. Further details are expected.
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Source: Africa.
