Former Zimbabwe Warriors striker Abbas Amidu has been arrested in connection with a major drug trafficking operation after authorities discovered a staggering 750 kilograms of cannabis in a vehicle he was travelling in. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrest, describing it as one of the largest drug seizures in recent months.
According to a police statement released on October 3, 2025, Amidu, aged 29, was taken into custody along with another suspect, Reuben Kudzai Mhlanga, 41, along the Kwekwe–Kadoma Highway. The two were allegedly found transporting the massive haul of dagga — a local term for marijuana — in a silver Honda Shuttle with registration number AGP 6776.
Police said the cannabis had an estimated street value of US$75,000, equivalent to about R1.4 million. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the ZRP confirmed the arrests and detailed the operation.
“The ZRP confirms the arrest of soccer players, Tumai Matsika, also known as Abbas Amidu (29), and Reuben Kudzai Mhlanga (41), for drug trafficking. The two were found in possession of 750kg of dagga valued at USD75,000.00 in a silver Honda Shuttle vehicle, registration number AGP 6776, along Kwekwe–Kadoma Highway on 03/10/25,” the statement read.
Police also noted that another, smaller drug bust was made separately at the Trabablas Interchange, though details on that operation remain limited.
Former Warriors Star Abbas Amidu Arrested in Massive US$75,000 Dagga Bust
The arrest marks a shocking turn of events for Abbas Amidu, once celebrated as one of Zimbabwe’s most promising football talents. The younger brother of fellow footballer Brian Amidu, Abbas rose to prominence during his time with CAPS United, where he was part of the squad that won the 2016 Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League title.
His standout performances, particularly during the team’s run in the CAF Champions League, caught the attention of international scouts. In 2017, Amidu earned a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian club Al Wehda, a deal that was seen as a major step forward in his career. Prior to that, he had a brief stint with Egyptian side Entag El-Harby, though his stay there was short-lived.
According to reports from New Zimbabwe, the Egyptian club released him in May 2018 after just seven months, during which he managed to score only one goal. The club’s statement at the time listed his name among nine players released from their contracts.
“Entag El-Harby have announced they are releasing nine of their players, namely Momen Gaber, Afrotto, Mohamed Mohsen Leila, Ahmed Sherwyda, Ahmed Saidy, Mohamed Essam, Ahmed El-Ish, Mohamed Khalifa and Abbas Amidu,” read part of the club’s release.
Amidu also had a brief association with Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa back in 2012, but he left before making an official appearance due to recurring injuries. Despite flashes of brilliance, his career was hampered by inconsistency and frequent transfers between clubs.
Now, the former international forward faces a future overshadowed by serious criminal charges. Under Zimbabwean law, drug trafficking is a grave offense that carries harsh penalties, including lengthy imprisonment if convicted. The police have not yet disclosed when Abbas Amidu and Mhlanga are expected to appear in court, but investigations into the origin and intended destination of the seized drugs are reportedly ongoing.
Law enforcement agencies have intensified their crackdown on narcotics in recent years, following a surge in drug-related crimes across the country. Authorities have repeatedly warned that they will show “zero tolerance” toward drug peddlers, regardless of their social status or background.
A senior police source, speaking anonymously, said the bust was part of a broader surveillance operation targeting trafficking networks along major highways. “We had intelligence indicating that large consignments of marijuana were being moved from rural areas toward urban markets. This arrest is part of an ongoing effort to dismantle those networks,” the source said.
For many Zimbabwean football fans, Abbas Amidu’s arrest represents a tragic fall from grace. Once hailed for his speed, skill, and attacking flair, the former CAPS United star now finds himself at the center of a criminal case that could permanently tarnish his legacy.
Social media was awash with reactions after the news broke. Some fans expressed disbelief, calling the development “heartbreaking,” while others lamented how once-promising athletes were increasingly being drawn into crime after their sporting careers stalled.
“Abbas Amidu had the talent to go far. It’s sad to see another footballer’s life take such a turn,” one fan commented.
Analysts say the case underscores the growing challenges faced by former athletes in Zimbabwe, many of whom struggle financially and emotionally after retirement. Without structured post-career support, some are said to fall into depression, substance abuse, or criminal activity.
As the investigation continues, the spotlight remains firmly on Abbas Amidu — once a national hero, now a man confronting the harsh realities of life on the wrong side of the law. Whether he can recover from this scandal, or if this marks the end of his public career, will depend on the outcome of the impending court proceedings.
Source- iHarare
