Four Foreigners Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Gold Robbery in Zimbabwe
Four foreigners were charged in Zimbabwe for conspiring to rob a vehicle transporting 4 kg of gold to Zambia. The suspects, from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone, planned the robbery but were intercepted by detectives. They are scheduled to return to court on March 18.
In Harare, four foreign nationals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone were charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, following an attempted heist involving a Chinese smuggler transporting 4 kg of gold to Zambia. The accused, comprising Gohga Kan (34, Singapore), Wu Ke Wen (35, China), and Sierra Leoneans Aruna Saidu (27) and Foday Kamara (27), made a brief appearance before Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa, who advised them to seek bail from the High Court.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) revealed that on February 27, 2025, Kan met with local resident Ozias Matsikete to discuss a robbery plan targeting a vehicle traveling to Zambia via the Chirundu Border Post. Kan, claiming to possess firearms, enlisted Matsikete’s assistance in finding two additional accomplices. Matsikete informed detectives from CID Homicide about this plot.
On March 1, Kan asked Matsikete to arrange a meeting with the accomplices in Karoi to identify a robbery site. Kan chose Karoi due to its proximity to Zambia, where he intended to transport the stolen gold. Detectives, posing as accomplices, joined Matsikete to meet Kan, who drove a white Toyota Prado.
During their meeting near Karoi, Kan detailed the robbery plan, indicating that potholes would hinder the target vehicle. On March 8, Kan and Matsikete conspired about executing the robbery on March 9. Kan introduced Matsikete to Saidu and Kamara, claiming he would supply firearms for the heist. Detectives devised a strategy to prevent the robbery and prepared for the arrest of the suspects and recovery of the gold.
On March 9, Kan notified Matsikete that they were tracking a Toyota Prado with Zambian plates carrying gold. Detectives intercepted this vehicle at Nyabira tollgate, arresting the driver Joseph Phiri and passenger Liu Wieqiang. Meanwhile, Kan and Wu were apprehended in a Honda Fit. A search of the Toyota Prado revealed approximately 4.018 kg of gold concealed beneath the car radio. Concurrently, Saidu and Kamara were arrested in Karoi, where two unregistered 9mm firearms were recovered. The accused are scheduled to appear in court again on March 18.
In summary, four foreign nationals are facing serious charges for plotting a gold robbery in Zimbabwe. Their conspiracy involved detailed plans and accomplices, but it was thwarted by vigilant police detectives. The case highlights the importance of law enforcement collaboration and the swift action taken to prevent the crime and capture the suspects. The judicial proceedings will continue as the suspects await their next court appearance.
Original Source: www.zimlive.com
