Robert McBride Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Family

Biography

Robert McBride MMS CLS, a distinguished South African police officer, held the esteemed position of chief of police for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Before this role, McBride was a member of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the paramilitary wing of the African National Congress.

During his tenure with this organization, McBride was involved in a bombing incident at Magoos Bar in Durban, resulting in the unfortunate death of three people. 

Subsequently, Robert McBride faced a terrorism conviction. However, under the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act, which deems certain past offences during apartheid as if they never occurred for all purposes, this conviction has been nullified.

Robert McBride
Wiki Facts & About Data
Full Name:	Robert McBride
Born:	6 July 1963 (age 60 years old)
Place of Birth:	Durban, South Africa
Nationality:	South African
Education:	Fairvale High School, University of South Africa
Height:	1.61 m
Parents:	Derrick McBride, Doris McBride
Siblings:	N/A
Spouse:	Paula Leyden
Girlfriend • Partner:	N/A
Children:	2
Occupation:	Police Officer
Net Worth:	$1 million-$5 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Born on July 6, 1963, at Addington Hospital in Durban, Robert McBride hails from Wentworth, a racially segregated neighbourhood approximately 11 kilometres from Durban. His parents, Derrick McBride and Doris McBride, were teachers at a Clairwood school. 

Attending Fairvale High School in Wentworth, Robert actively engaged in extracurricular pursuits such as rugby, karate, boxing, chess, hockey, and soccer. Despite his enthusiasm for sports and other activities, he faced bullying from an older boy in his neighbourhood, prompting his father to teach him martial arts for self-defence. He graduated from the University of South Africa.

Robert McBride developed political beliefs under his father’s influence at a young age. Shaped by two influential books, Colored: A Profile of 2 Million South Africans by AJ Venter, highlighting the efforts of coloured political activists, including his uncle Rev. Clive McBride, and Soledad Brothers: The Prison Letters of George Jackson, authored by a founding member of the American Black Guerrilla Family. These books played a pivotal role in moulding his political ideology.

Career

In 1986, Robert McBride held the position of leader within the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC)’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) cell. During this period, he orchestrated an attack on a restaurant and bar in Durban. Unfortunately, the bombing resulted in the tragic loss of three white women’s lives, with 69 others sustaining injuries. While there were speculations that the attack aimed to target the police, the veracity of these claims remains unclear.

Robert McBride has an extensive professional background in South Africa, notably serving as the Chief of Ekurhuleni Metro Police and heading the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). His appointment as the IPID head sparked controversy due to his past, which involved an arrest by Mozambican police for gunrunning in 1998. Although facing charges of driving under the influence, assault, and obstructing justice, McBride was ultimately acquitted of all charges.

Social Media

• Facebook: Robert McBride

Personal Life

At the age of 60, Robert McBride is recognized for his family-oriented lifestyle. As a former executive of IPID, he skillfully maintained a balance between his professional and personal life. Robert is happily married and a dedicated father to his two daughters, whom he holds dear. 

Despite facing challenges, Robert McBride married Paula Leyden while on death row, defying the odds to cultivate a life filled with love. However, after over 15 years, they have amicably separated and embarked on separate paths.

Net Worth

Robert McBride‘s net worth or net income is between $1 million and $5 million. This estimation is based on various factors, such as his career ventures, investments, assets, and liabilities. His financial status places him within the high-net-worth individuals with substantial wealth and resources. However, it is important to note that these figures are subject to change depending on various market fluctuations and economic conditions.