Dollar Man's downfall: Inside the SAPS operation that ended the Mozambican's reign
António Francisco “Dollar Man” Macamamo was shot dead in Kempton Park during a police operation that also freed a kidnapped Indian businessman in Alexandra.
Image: National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) / IOL
A dramatic September 2025 SAPS operation in Gauteng brought an end to the reign of a feared Mozambican kidnapping kingpin known as “Dollar Man,” after officers rescued a businessman held for ransom.
The takedown blitz renewed focus on cross-border kidnapping syndicates and the criminal networks that long enabled his activities.
António Francisco “Dollar Man” Macamamo was shot dead during a police operation in Kempton Park, where officers also freed an Indian businessman abducted in Alexandra.
Macamamo, wanted in both South Africa and Mozambique, was among the region’s most elusive kidnapping figures — reputed for demanding ransom payments exclusively in United States dollars, a habit that earned him his infamous nickname.
According to a source in Maputo, Macamamo had been linked to multiple high-profile kidnappings targeting wealthy businesspeople across southern Africa. He allegedly started his criminal career under a notorious Mozambican murderer before forming his own network, widely described by security experts as ruthless and highly organised.
South African police had been searching for him in connection with at least five kidnapping-for-ransom cases, along with other serious crimes including housebreaking, car-jacking and possession of illegal firearms.
At the time, Gauteng’s anti-kidnapping unit said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle cross-border abduction syndicates.
Investigators believe Macamamo maintained strong ties with criminal groups on both sides of the Mozambique–South Africa border, enabling him to move seamlessly between countries while evading capture.
With his death and the safe rescue of the abducted Indian businessman, police officials said they have disrupted a key organised-crime network — but caution that others linked to his syndicate may still be active.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News