Foreign Nationals Charged with Gold Robbery Conspiracy in Zimbabwe
Four foreigners, including nationals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone, faced charges of conspiracy to rob a gold smuggler in Zimbabwe. The authorities intervened based on a tip-off from a local resident, resulting in arrests and the recovery of gold and firearms.
Four foreign nationals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone were presented before a Harare court, facing charges of conspiracy to commit robbery. They allegedly targeted a Chinese smuggler transporting 4 kilograms of gold to Zambia via Chirundu. The accused are Gohga Kan, 34, a Singaporean; Wu Ke Wen, 35, from China; and Sierra Leoneans Aruna Saidu and Foday Kamara, both 27 years old.
During a brief court session, Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa advised the defendants not to plead and instructed them to seek bail from the High Court. The National Prosecuting Authority outlined that the conspiracy began on February 27, 2025, when Kan solicited assistance from local resident Ozias Matsikete to rob a vehicle heading to Zambia.
Kan allegedly noted that he possessed firearms and requested Matsikete’s help in recruiting accomplices. Upon learning of the plan, Matsikete notified the detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department’s Homicide unit. Subsequently, Kan directed Matsikete to organize a meeting with the recruited criminals to plan the robbery in Karoi, chosen for its proximity to the Zambian border.
The police, acting undercover, met with Kan, who offered details about the robbery plan, stating that the target vehicle would be slowed down by road conditions. On March 8, Kan informed Matsikete of the arranged robbery for March 9 while introducing Saidu and Kamara as accomplices. Law enforcement prepared to intercept the robbery and apprehend the suspects.
On the planned date, Kan alerted Matsikete about tracking a vehicle carrying gold. Detectives intercepted the vehicle at Nyabira tollgate, arresting both the driver, Joseph Phiri, and passenger, Liu Wieqiang, while Kan and Wu were apprehended in their automobile. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 4.018 kilograms of gold concealed beneath the car’s radio, alongside the arrest of Saidu and Kamara, where two unregistered 9mm firearms were confiscated. The defendants are set to reappear in court on March 18.
In summary, four foreign nationals are facing serious charges linked to a conspiracy to rob a gold smuggler in Zimbabwe. The operation was thwarted by timely police intervention after Matsikete reported the plans. The court proceedings highlight the collaborative efforts of law enforcement in addressing such criminal schemes effectively.
Original Source: www.zimlive.com
