Arrests Made in Conspiracy to Rob Gold Smuggler in Zimbabwe

Four foreigners were arrested in Zimbabwe for conspiring to rob a Chinese smuggler transporting gold. The plot was foiled by local detectives after a local resident alerted authorities. The operation resulted in the recovery of gold and firearms, with further court proceedings scheduled.

Four foreign nationals, comprising individuals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone, were apprehended in Zimbabwe and charged with conspiracy to commit robbery. They allegedly targeted a Chinese smuggler who was in possession of 4 kilograms of gold to be transported to Zambia. The defendants, identified as Gohga Kan (34, Singapore), Wu Ke Wen (35, China), Aruna Saidu (27, Sierra Leone), and Foday Kamara (27, Sierra Leone), made a brief court appearance before Harare Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa, where they were advised to apply for bail at the High Court.

The plot, as reported by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), commenced on February 27, 2025, when Kan approached local resident Ozias Matsikete with intentions to rob a vehicle en route from Harare to Zambia via the Chirundu Border Post. Kan purported to possess firearms and requested Matsikete’s assistance in recruiting two further accomplices. However, Matsikete informed the authorities, alerting detectives from CID Homicide about the conspiracy.

On March 1, Kan invited Matsikete to coordinate a meeting with the prospective culprits in Karoi, which was deemed an ideal location due to its nearness to Zambia for the planned robbery. Undercover detectives accompanied Matsikete in a vehicle to meet Kan, who drove a white Toyota Prado. During this rendezvous, Kan detailed the plan, indicating that the target vehicle would be impeded by potholes.

Subsequently, on March 8, Kan and Matsikete reconvened, at which point Kan confirmed the planned robbery for March 9 and introduced Matsikete to Saidu and Kamara, informing them that he would supply firearms for the execution of the crime. Authorities, anticipating the robbery, executed a multi-team operation following a tip-off from Kan. A Toyota Prado was intercepted at Nyabira tollgate in the early hours of March 9, driven by Joseph Phiri and his passenger Liu Wieqiang, revealing approximately 4.018 kilograms of gold concealed beneath the car’s radio.

In the same operation, detectives arrested Saidu and Kamara in Karoi and recovered two unregistered 9mm firearms. The four alleged conspirators are scheduled to return to court on March 18 for further legal actions.

The apprehension of the four foreign nationals follows a carefully orchestrated plan to rob a substantial quantity of gold intended for transportation to Zambia. The coordinated efforts of local authorities and an undercover operation thwarted the robbery before it could occur. The suspects, who are facing serious charges, will have an opportunity to address these allegations in court on March 18.

Original Source: bulawayo24.com