Foreign Nationals Arrested in Gold Robbery Conspiracy in Zimbabwe
Four foreign nationals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone have been charged with conspiracy to rob a Chinese gold smuggler in Zimbabwe. The heist was prevented by the local authorities after one participant reported the plan. Multiple arrests were made, and gold and firearms were recovered. The suspects are scheduled for a court appearance on March 18.
On a recent Tuesday, four foreign nationals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone faced court charges for conspiring to commit robbery targeting a Chinese gold smuggler. The individuals, including Gohga Kan (34, Singapore), Wu Ke Wen (35, China), and Sierra Leoneans Aruna Saidu (27) and Foday Kamara (27), appeared before Harare Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa and were advised to seek bail at the High Court without entering a plea.
The conspiracy reportedly began on February 27, 2025, when Kan approached local resident Ozias Matsikete to assist in planning the robbery of a vehicle transporting gold from Harare to Zambia through Chirundu. Kan alleged to Matsikete that he had two pistols and sought help in recruiting further accomplices. However, Matsikete notified CID Homicide detectives regarding the scheme.
On March 1, Kan instructed Matsikete to meet with the recruited accomplices in Karoi to select a location for the robbery due to its proximity to Zambia, where the stolen gold was to be taken. Detectives, posing as criminal associates, accompanied Matsikete to meet Kan, who discussed the location for the robbery, noting its proximity to potholes.
During a subsequent meeting on March 8, Kan confirmed that the robbery was scheduled for March 9 and introduced Matsikete to Saidu and Kamara, discussing plans to supply them with firearms. Detectives simultaneously executed a coordinated operation to prevent the robbery. Following Kan’s tips, authorities intercepted a Toyota Prado carrying gold at the Nyabira tollgate, arresting the driver Joseph Phiri and passenger Liu Wieqiang, discovering approximately 4.018 kilograms of gold hidden in the vehicle.
In conjunction with these events, detectives apprehended Saidu and Kamara in Karoi, seizing two unregistered 9mm firearms. The four alleged conspirators are expected to return to court for further proceedings on March 18.
In summary, four foreign nationals have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit robbery in a plot against a gold smuggler in Zimbabwe. The authorities intervened effectively due to prior intelligence, leading to multiple arrests and the recovery of gold and firearms. The legal proceedings are ongoing, highlighting the importance of local cooperation in combating organized crime.
Original Source: bulawayo24.com
