In a dramatic turn of events, Zimbabwean authorities are hunting two South African nationals suspected of being involved in a bold armed robbery in Harare that left former Dynamos Football Club chairman, Rafiq Adam, US$600,000 poorer.
The case has drawn attention not only due to the scale of the heist but also because it reverses the common narrative — with South Africans now being sought for criminal activity on Zimbabwean soil.
The revelation came to light in a Harare court where Samson Gora, aged 35 and employed as Adam’s personal driver, appeared facing armed robbery charges. He is accused of betraying his employer by providing critical insider information to the robbers.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Gora allegedly passed details about the cash stored at Merchantman Enterprises — located at 93 Cameroon Street in Harare’s CBD — to a gang made up of fellow Zimbabweans Nyengerayi Chikwadze (also known as Chipato), Oscar Muchenje, and two unnamed South African nationals.
Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi told the court that on June 16, 2025, the gang stormed the premises while Adam was in the reception area. One of the robbers, reportedly armed, struck Adam on the forehead before demanding money. The attackers took US$500 from Adam, seized the safe keys, and made off with US$600,000 in cash.
Two South Africans Wanted in Zimbabwe Over High-Profile US$600K Harare Heist
During their escape, the suspects also looted personal electronics including phones from employees and dumped some of the stolen devices near Leopold Takawira Avenue, close to the ENBEE store.
Gora was arrested on June 27, 2025, after detectives from the CID Homicide Division received a tip-off. During questioning, Gora is said to have admitted to tipping off the gang and confessed to receiving US$10,000 as his share. He claimed that Chipato had received US$20,000 from the South African suspects and Muchenje.
Police managed to recover US$4,400 in cash, six smartphones, and a Toyota Hiace allegedly purchased using the stolen funds. Gora also led investigators to his brother, Willard Gora, who was reportedly hiding part of the loot.
Authorities have now launched an active search for the two South African suspects. The case has generated widespread interest, as it contrasts with the more frequent scenario of Zimbabweans being implicated in cross-border crimes in South Africa.
Gora has been remanded in custody until July 16, with investigations ongoing.
ALSO READ : ZANU PF MPs Push for Law to Criminalise Government Criticism Amid Opposition Resistance
