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Ex-Zimbabwe football stars jailed 12 years for drug dealing
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Two former footballers who once graced top-flight pitches in Zimbabwe and South Africa have been sentenced to 12 years in prison each after being convicted of dealing in dangerous drugs.
Tumai Matsika, also known as Abbas Amidu, who previously played for CAPS United and South African giants Kaizer Chiefs, and Kudzai Mhlanga, also known as Reuben Mhlanga, who featured for Dynamos, were sentenced on February 24, 2026.
The pair was convicted of dealing in dangerous drugs, namely dagga, in contravention of Zimbabwe's drug laws.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the conviction and sentencing, applauding members of the public for their cooperation in reporting criminal activities.
"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 24 February 2026 for sentencing and were each sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment," the statement read.
Police emphasised that community involvement remains critical in combating drug-related offences and urged members of the public to continue supplying information that may assist in the arrest and prosecution of criminals.
The sentencing marks a dramatic fall from grace for the two former athletes, who once enjoyed professional careers at some of the region's most recognisable football clubs.
Tumai Matsika, also known as Abbas Amidu, who previously played for CAPS United and South African giants Kaizer Chiefs, and Kudzai Mhlanga, also known as Reuben Mhlanga, who featured for Dynamos, were sentenced on February 24, 2026.
The pair was convicted of dealing in dangerous drugs, namely dagga, in contravention of Zimbabwe's drug laws.
"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 24 February 2026 for sentencing and were each sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment," the statement read.
Police emphasised that community involvement remains critical in combating drug-related offences and urged members of the public to continue supplying information that may assist in the arrest and prosecution of criminals.
The sentencing marks a dramatic fall from grace for the two former athletes, who once enjoyed professional careers at some of the region's most recognisable football clubs.
Source - BMetro
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