In an unexpected twist, Zimbabwean authorities are now on the hunt for two South African nationals who are believed to be part of a gang that pulled off a heist involving over R10 million.
The revelation came to light during a court hearing in Harare on Monday, where the driver of the victim, prominent businessman and former Dynamos Football Club chairman Rafiq Adam, appeared facing armed robbery charges.
How did two South Africans get involved?
The accused, 35-year-old Samson Gora, is alleged to have tipped off the robbers about large sums of money kept at Adam’s company offices in central Harare.
Reports are that the robbers included two Zimbabweans and two South Africans.
According to Zimbabwe’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Gora passed on detailed information about the $600 000 (roughly R10.5 million) stored at Merchantman Enterprises, Adam’s business in the CBD.
“The accused, Samson Gora, provided details about the cash being kept at the premises to his accomplices,” said state prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi.
“The robbery was then executed by four men, including the two foreign nationals not known to Gora.”
The two South Africans reportedly helped execute the heist
The robbery took place on 16 June 2025.
Prosecutors say four men stormed the building armed with a pistol and attacked Adam while he sat at reception.
He was struck on the head with the firearm, and the gang demanded money and access to the office safe.
While the robbers only took about $500 (R8 800) from Adam directly, they then accessed the safe and made off with the full $600 000 (R10.5 million).
They also grabbed high-end gadgets, including an iPhone 13 Pro Max, a Samsung Fold, and phones belonging to other employees, some of which were later dumped during their getaway along a busy Harare street.
Suspects allegedly shared the loot and vanished
Gora was arrested on 27 June following a tip-off to Zimbabwe’s CID Homicide Unit.
Under interrogation, he reportedly confessed to leaking the information to the gang.
He admitted to receiving $10 000 (R175 000) as his share from a man identified as Nyengerayi Chikwadze, alias Chipato.
Chikwadze, in turn, is said to have split the money with fellow Zimbabwean Oscar Muchenje and the two unnamed South African nationals, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
According to iHarare, police have since recovered $4 400 (R77 500) in cash and seized multiple Samsung smartphones and a Toyota Hiace vehicle believed to have been bought with proceeds from the heist.
Gora also led police to his brother, Willard Gora, where part of the stash had been hidden.
A reversal of roles?
The case has raised eyebrows across the region, particularly because South Africans are now being sought in Zimbabwe for a high-profile crime.
It’s a reversal of the usual narrative, where Zimbabweans are often accused of being involved in criminal activity across the Limpopo.
Zimbabwean authorities have launched a full-scale manhunt for the two South African suspects, who have not yet been publicly named.
Gora, meanwhile, has been remanded in custody until 16 July as investigations continue.
Are South Africans being drawn into organised crime in the region, or is this an isolated incident?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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