Police in Zimbabwe have confirmed the arrest of former Kaizer Chiefs forward Brian Abbas Amidu for alleged drug trafficking.
Amidu was nabbed by detectives near the city of Kwekwe, while in possession of dagga with an estimated street value of $75,000 [R1,288,796].
He was arrested together with another former professional footballer, Reuben Mhlanga who previously played for Zimbabwean giants Dynamos FC.
Acting on a tip-off, detectives intercepted Amidu and Mhlanga just outside Kwekwe and they are suspected to be part of a wider drug trafficking syndicate operating across several provinces in their home country.
“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 Zimbabwe Republic Police said in a statement.
“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.”
AMIDU’S SHORT STINT AT KAIZER CHIEFS
However, while police booked in Amidu as a 29-year-old, his real age is 35. Joining Chiefs on a three-and-a-half-year deal in January 2012, Amidu, however, spent injury-blighted six months at Naturena before moving to Black Leopards.
After his time in the PSL, the former Zimbabwe international had stints in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. His father Hussein, also little heralded, played for Chiefs as well in the early 90s.
Amidu was at Amakhosi when the club had a half-dozen Zimbabweans on their books at the same time, including Tinashe Nengomasha, Willard Katsande, Thomas Sweswe, Zhaimu Jambo and Lincoln Zvasiya.
He came through Aces Youth Academy in Harare, which also churned out Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat and another former Chiefs star Mitchell Katsvairo, with all four being in the same group.
On his unveiling by Chiefs, Amidu passionately spoke against drugs as he opened up on how football helped him escape a difficult life.
“Life in the ghetto, people are looking for money. They need to survive and some of them sell drugs, others play soccer to survive, while some are thieves. That’s the lifestyle in the ghetto,” he told KC TV.
Amidu and Mhlanga were expected to appear in court on Tuesday for bail application. If found guilty after trial, the two face lengthy prison time.
“The NPAZ commends law enforcement efforts in dismantling drug supply chains threatening community wellbeing,” the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe reacted to the ex-footballers’ arrests.
“Prosecution will be pursued vigorously to ensure deterrent sentences for offenders involved in narcotics.”
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