Four Foreign Nationals Charged in Zimbabwe Gold Robbery Conspiracy

Four foreign nationals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone were charged with conspiracy to commit robbery in Zimbabwe. They allegedly targeted a Chinese smuggler carrying 4kg of gold towards Zambia. Following detailed planning that was reported to law enforcement, a multi-team operation successfully apprehended the suspects and intercepted the vehicle carrying the gold.

On a recent Tuesday, four foreign nationals were arraigned in a Harare court, charged with conspiracy to commit robbery related to a gold heist. The individuals included Gohga Kan from Singapore, Wu Ke Wen from China, and two Sierra Leoneans, Aruna Saidu and Foday Kamara, all accused of plotting to rob a Chinese smuggler transporting four kilograms of gold to Zambia. They did not enter a plea and were instructed to seek bail at the High Court.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the conspiracy began on February 27, 2025, when Kan approached local resident Ozias Matsikete with a plan to rob a vehicle at the Chirundu Border Post. Kan allegedly claimed to have two pistols and solicited Matsikete’s assistance in recruiting two accomplices, who Matsikete reported to law enforcement officials from CID Homicide.

The plot advanced, culminating in a meeting initiated by Kan on March 1. He instructed Matsikete to arrange to meet the recruited criminals in Karoi to plan the robbery. The location was selected due to its nearness to Zambia, the intended route for transporting the stolen gold.

Detectives, masquerading as accomplices, met Kan during a planned rendezvous. The meeting occurred approximately 25 kilometers from Karoi, where Kan disclosed the robbery details, explaining the targeted vehicle would be impeded by potholes on the road.

On March 8, Kan and Matsikete reconvened to finalize the details for the robbery scheduled for March 9. Kan introduced Matsikete to his accomplices, Saidu and Kamara, stating he would supply them with firearms for the operation. In response, detectives launched a coordinated effort to dismantle the planned robbery.

Early on March 9, officials intercepted a Toyota Prado vehicle at Nyabira tollgate, based on a tip-off from Kan. The car, driven by Joseph Phiri and his passenger, Liu Wieqiang, was found to contain approximately 4.018 kilograms of gold hidden beneath the car’s radio. Concurrently, law enforcement apprehended Saidu and Kamara in Karoi, seizing two unregistered 9mm firearms.

The four accused individuals are scheduled to appear in court again on March 18 for further proceedings, as the investigation continues into this intricate plot.

This incident underscores the vigilant efforts of law enforcement in thwarting organized crime, particularly in regards to high-value robbery schemes. The collaborative actions between local residents and the National Prosecuting Authority played a critical role in preventing the heist and ensuring the safety and integrity of the gold transportation process. The arraignment of the four foreign nationals highlights the seriousness of their charges and the legal consequences they face as the case progresses.

Original Source: bulawayo24.com