Two South Africans wanted in Zimbabwe following US$600K CBD armed robbery money heist
In a dramatic reversal of roles, Zimbabwean authorities are now hunting down two South African nationals accused of orchestrating a violent, high-stakes robbery in Harare’s Central Business District (CBD) that saw over US$600,000 (approx. R11.1 million) stolen from prominent businessman and former Dynamos Football Club chairman, Rafiq Adam.
The incident — described by prosecutors as a well-planned, brutal heist — has raised eyebrows not just for the sheer amount of money involved, but also because it marks a rare instance where South Africans are being sought for crimes committed in Zimbabwe, flipping the common narrative of Zimbabweans being accused of criminal activity south of the Limpopo.
“It’s normally Zimbabweans being accused of robberies in Johannesburg or Pretoria,” said a legal observer outside the court.
“Now, it seems the tables have turned.”
Driver accused of leaking inside information
The case came to light on Monday, 1 July 2025, when 35-year-old Samson Gora — employed as a driver by Rafiq Adam — appeared before Harare magistrate Donald Ndirowei. He was formally charged with armed robbery and was remanded in custody until 16 July 2025.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Gora played a crucial role in the robbery by allegedly supplying confidential information about the large sums of money that Adam was keeping at his business, Merchantman Enterprises, situated at 93 Cameroon Street in Harare.
“The accused, Samson Gora, was trusted by the complainant,” said state prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi.
“But he betrayed that trust by revealing the existence and location of significant cash holdings to a gang of criminals.”
The gang was reportedly made up of two Zimbabweans — Nyengerayi Chikwadze, alias Chipato, and Oscar Muchenje — and two South African nationals whose names have not yet been disclosed by authorities.
Rafiq Adam pistol-whipped and robbed
The court heard that the robbery occurred on 16 June 2025. Adam was seated at the reception area of his office when the four men entered. One of them was armed with a pistol.
“The suspects confronted Mr Adam and demanded money,” said the NPA.
“One of them struck him on the forehead with the back of a pistol before taking US$500 (approx. R9,300) and the keys to the safe from his pockets.”
Adam was then force-marched to his office, where the robbers used the keys to unlock a safe and took a staggering US$600,000 (approx. R11.1 million) in cash.
But the robbery didn’t stop there. The gang allegedly ransacked the rest of the premises, targeting phones and electronic devices.
“They took an iPhone 13 Pro Max and a Samsung Fold from the director’s office,” the NPA alleged.
“They also robbed four employees of a Samsung Galaxy, a Samsung 04, an iPhone 16 Pro Max, and a V-lion.”
During their escape, some of the stolen items — specifically the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy — were dropped along Leopold Takawira Avenue near the ENBEE shop, police said.
SA suspects allegedly received lion’s share of the loot
The investigation picked up steam on 27 June 2025 when detectives from the CID Homicide Unit in Harare received information implicating Gora in the robbery. He was arrested at his workplace and reportedly confessed to supplying the tip-off.
“The accused admitted to providing the information to the gang,” the prosecutor revealed.
“He said he received US$10,000 (approx. R185,000) from Chipato as his share.”
Gora further told investigators that Chipato had claimed to receive only US$20,000 (approx. R370,000) from Muchenje and the two South African suspects, suggesting the foreign nationals may have pocketed the bulk of the money.
Following the confession, Gora led police to his brother, Willard Gora, where part of the loot was stashed. Officers recovered US$4,400 (approx. R81,000) in cash, three Samsung Note 20 mobile phones, and three Samsung Galaxy devices allegedly purchased using proceeds from the heist.
Police also impounded a Toyota Hiace vehicle that was reportedly bought using the stolen money.
Role reversal stuns observers
The case has generated widespread interest in Zimbabwe, not just for the brazen nature of the crime, but because it has reversed the usual pattern of cross-border criminal allegations.
“South Africans are now suspects in one of our biggest heists this year,” a police source said.
“It’s usually Zimbabweans being accused of these kinds of crimes in South Africa, especially around Gauteng.”
Law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigations and have launched a manhunt for the two unnamed South African suspects. Police have appealed to the public for information that could lead to their arrest.
Rufaro Chonzi appeared for the National Prosecuting Authority.
