Ex-Football Stars Abbas Amidu And Reuben Mhlanga Sentenced To 12 Years For Drug Trafficking

Abbas Amidu And Reuben Mhlanga’s Dramatic Fall: 12 Years In Prison For 750kg Of Dagga

In a stunning fall from grace, former football stars Abbas Amidu and Reuben Mhlanga have been sentenced to 12 years in prison each after being caught with a massive haul of dagga. The two, who once played for top clubs like Kaizer Chiefs and Dynamos, will now serve hard time after a Kwekwe magistrate handed down the sentence on Tuesday, 24th February 2026.

The Kwekwe-Kadoma Highway Drug Bust

The troubles for the two athletes began in October last year along the Kwekwe-Kadoma Highway. According to details released by the police, Amidu and Mhlanga were stopped during a routine patrol, and officers discovered 750kg of dagga hidden in their silver Honda Shuttle. The ZRP confirmed the staggering value of the contraband, placing the street value at a whopping US$75,000 (approximately R1.4 million).

In a statement posted on X on 25th February 2026, the police detailed the outcome. The post read:

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that crime does not pay. This follows the arrest, conviction and sentencing of two former soccer players, Tumai Matsika (Abbas Amidu) and Kudzai (Reuben) Mhlanga for dealing in dangerous drugs (dagga). The two appeared in court on 24th February 2026 for sentencing and were each sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment.”

More Legal Woes For Amidu

The conviction has shattered the image of two men who were once role models. Abbas Amidu, also known as Tumirai Matsika (29), was a household name who won the Premier Soccer League title with CAPS United in 2016 and had a stint with South African giants Kaizer Chiefs. His co-accused, Reuben Mhlanga (41), was a rugged defender who made his name with Dynamos.

However, Amidu’s legal troubles are far from over. Prominent journalist Yvonne Mangunda posted on the evening of the sentencing, revealing that he faces additional charges. She wrote:

“Former Kaizer Chiefs, CAPS United midfielder Abbas Amidu & ex-Dynamos defender Reuben Mhlanga sentenced to 12 years each after being caught with 750kg of dagga valued at US$75k along Kwekwe-Kadoma highway. Amidu faces similar, additional charges at Epworth Magistrates Court.”

The two former players are now behind bars. As they begin serving their 12-year sentences, the focus now shifts to the additional charges Amidu faces in Epworth, ensuring the names of these former stars will remain in the news for all the wrong reasons.