Foreign Nationals Charged with Conspiracy to Rob Gold Smuggler in Zimbabwe

Four foreigners from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone were charged with conspiracy to commit robbery targeting a gold smuggler in Zimbabwe. Following a plot to rob a vehicle transporting gold, law enforcement intervened, resulting in multiple arrests and recovery of stolen gold and firearms. The suspects will return to court on March 18.

Four foreign nationals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone were arraigned in Harare on Tuesday for conspiring to commit robbery against a gold smuggler. The individuals involved include Gohga Kan, a 34-year-old Singaporean, Wu Ke Wen, a 35-year-old Chinese citizen, and two Sierra Leonean nationals, Aruna Saidu and Foday Kamara, both aged 27. During their appearance before Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa, the accused were not asked to enter a plea and were advised to seek bail from the High Court.

The National Prosecuting Authority reported that on February 27, 2025, Kan solicited assistance from local resident Ozias Matsikete concerning a plan to rob a vehicle transporting gold from Harare to Zambia via Chirundu. Kan allegedly claimed to possess firearms and requested Matsikete’s help in recruiting accomplices to execute the robbery. Matsikete promptly notified detectives from CID Homicide about the impending crime.

On March 1, Kan allegedly instructed Matsikete to meet with the accomplices in Karoi to identify an appropriate location for the robbery, citing its proximity to Zambia as advantageous. The court learned that undercover detectives accompanied Matsikete in a vehicle to the meeting with Kan, who was driving a Toyota Prado, where he disclosed details of the robbery plan, highlighting local potholes that would hinder the target vehicle’s escape.

On March 8, Kan met with Matsikete again, indicating the robbery was scheduled for March 9. During this meeting, Kan introduced Matsikete to accomplices Saidu and Kamara, informing them that he would supply weapons for the operation. Detectives devised a strategy to prevent the robbery and organized a coordinated effort to apprehend the suspects and retrieve the stolen gold.

On the early morning of March 9, Kan tipped Matsikete about tracking a Toyota Prado with Zambian plates, believed to be carrying gold. Detectives acted swiftly and intercepted the vehicle at Nyabira tollgate, leading to the arrest of driver Joseph Phiri and his passenger Liu Wieqiang. Kan and Wu were arrested in their Honda Fit, with approximately 4.018 kilograms of gold discovered hidden beneath the car radio. Meanwhile, Saidu and Kamara were apprehended in Karoi, with two unregistered 9mm firearms recovered. The suspects are due to appear in court again on March 18.

In summary, four foreign nationals allegedly plotted a gold robbery in Zimbabwe, with extensive planning and local assistance. Their conspiracy spanned several weeks, culminating in their arrests as they attempted to execute their plan. The successful intervention by law enforcement not only thwarted the robbery but also resulted in the recovery of a significant quantity of gold and firearms. The case will proceed to court for further proceedings.

Original Source: www.zimlive.com