Robert Mugabe Jr Got Preferential Treatment; He Needs To Go To Rehab – Mliswa
Norton Member of Parliament Temba Mliswa has slammed the release of Robert Mugabe Junior, son of Zimbabwe’s former President Robert Mugabe, from custody over malicious damage to property. Mugabe was accused of causing US$12,000 worth of damage to a friend’s vehicle and property during a party in Harare’s Strathaven suburb.
Mliswa accused the state of giving Mugabe preferential treatment due to his connections to certain levels of power. He argues that once the issue had reached the courts, it should have been recorded, and the parties involved would have appeared before a magistrate. Instead, the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) forced the complainant to negotiate a settlement with Mugabe, which Mliswa believes is not their duty.
“Not that I want him in jail so much but this is just preferential treatment as can be accessed by those with links to certain levels of power. The negotiations should have been done at the police station where the case was first reported,” said Mliswa. “Now the NPA is forcing the complainant to go back and negotiate, is that what he wanted? It’s not the duty of the NPA.”
Mugabe spent a night in detention at Avondale Police Station before being taken to Harare magistrate court, where he reportedly spent the day going from office to office before being set free. His lawyer, Ashiel Mugiya, said that no charges were withdrawn and that the state had given parties the opportunity to negotiate.
Mliswa also expressed concern for Mugabe’s well-being, urging him to seek rehabilitation for what he believes are serious problems. “The young man Robert should also get immediate assistance as he seems to have serious problems,” said Mliswa. “It should be made conditional that he seeks rehabilitation.”
The controversy surrounding Mugabe’s release has once again raised questions about the selective application of law in Zimbabwe and the influence of powerful individuals on the justice system.