Foreign Nationals Charged with Conspiracy in Gold Robbery Case in Zimbabwe
Four foreigners from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone are charged with conspiracy to rob a gold smuggler in Zimbabwe. During investigations, they were apprehended following detailed planning and surveillance operations by the National Prosecuting Authority and local detectives. The case highlights the cross-border smuggling issues and law enforcement’s response measures.
On Tuesday, four foreign nationals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone were arraigned in a Harare court on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery, specifically targeting a gold smuggler moving 4 kilograms of gold to Zambia. The accused, identified as Gohga Kan (34, Singapore), Wu Ke Wen (35, China), and Sierra Leoneans Aruna Saidu (27) and Foday Kamara (27), were not required to enter a plea at their brief court appearance before Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa, who advised them to seek bail at the High Court.
The allegations, presented by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), indicate that Kan approached a local resident, Ozias Matsikete, on February 27, 2025, to discuss plans to rob a vehicle en route from Harare to Zambia via the Chirundu Border Post. Kan reportedly claimed to possess two pistols and requested Matsikete’s assistance in recruiting two additional accomplices, prompting Matsikete to inform detectives from CID Homicide about the planned robbery.
Subsequently, on March 1, Kan instructed Matsikete to arrange a meeting with the recruited accomplices in Karoi for reconnaissance purposes. He selected Karoi due to its geographical closeness to Zambia, from where the stolen gold would be transported. During this meeting, detectives posed as accomplices and traveled with Matsikete in a Mercedes-Benz to meet Kan, who was driving a white Toyota Prado. Kan disclosed the intended robbery site, explaining that the area’s potholes would impede the target vehicle’s escape.
On March 8, Kan reconvened with Matsikete and revealed the robbery was scheduled for March 9. During this meeting, Kan introduced Matsikete to Saidu and Kamara, asserting he would supply them with firearms for the heist. Detectives, aiming to prevent the robbery, organized a multi-team operation to arrest the suspects and recover the stolen gold. Early on March 9, Kan notified Matsikete that they were pursuing a Toyota Prado with Zambian plates believed to be transporting gold.
Acting on this information, detectives intercepted the vehicle at Nyabira tollgate, apprehending the driver, Joseph Phiri, and passenger, Liu Wieqiang. Simultaneously, Kan and Wu were arrested in their Honda Fit. A search of the Toyota Prado uncovered approximately 4.018 kilograms of gold concealed beneath the car radio. Detectives in Karoi also arrested Saidu and Kamara, seizing two unregistered 9mm firearms. The defendants are scheduled to return to court on March 18.
In conclusion, the case involves four foreign nationals charged with conspiring to rob a gold smuggler in Zimbabwe. The meticulous efforts of the National Prosecuting Authority and local law enforcement, including undercover operations, led to the prevention of the robbery and the apprehension of the suspects. The individuals will appear in court once more on March 18 to continue proceedings against them.
Original Source: www.zimlive.com
