Four foreigners from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone have been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery in Zimbabwe, targeting a smuggler transporting gold to Zambia. They were arrested after a coordinated operation by detectives, recovering approximately 4.018 kilograms of gold and firearms. Their next court appearance is scheduled for March 18.
In Harare, four foreigners, namely Gohga Kan, Wu Ke Wen, Aruna Saidu, and Foday Kamara, have been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery. These individuals hail from Singapore, China, and Sierra Leone, respectively, and were reportedly attempting to rob a smuggler transporting 4 kilograms of gold from Zimbabwe to Zambia through Chirundu. They were presented before Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa, who has directed them to apply for bail at the High Court.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, on February 27, 2025, Gohga Kan contacted a local, Ozias Matsikete, discussing plans to rob a vehicle making the Harare to Zambia trip. Kan allegedly proposed that he had two firearms and sought Matsikete’s assistance in recruiting two accomplices. Matsikete alerted CID Homicide detectives about this planned heist.
On March 1, Kan directed Matsikete to set up a meeting with the chosen accomplices in Karoi to plan where to execute the robbery. Kan selected this location due to its proximity to Zambia, intending to transport the stolen gold there. During the encounter, detectives, disguised as accomplices, met Kan who drove a white Toyota Prado. He disclosed the planned robbery’s location, noting that potholes would hinder the target vehicle’s escape.
Further meetings ensued, with Kan disclosing that the robbery was scheduled for March 9. He introduced Matsikete to Saidu and Kamara, stating that they would receive weapons for the operation. To counteract the robbery, detectives devised a coordinated plan to apprehend the suspects and seize the gold.
On March 9, Kan notified Matsikete that they were tracking a Toyota Prado carrying gold. Acting on this information, detectives intercepted the vehicle at the Nyabira tollgate, arresting the driver Joseph Phiri and passenger Liu Wieqiang. Subsequently, Kan and Wu were captured in a Honda Fit, and a search of the Toyota Prado yielded approximately 4.018 kilograms of gold hidden beneath the car radio. Saidu and Kamara were arrested in Karoi, with two unregistered 9mm firearms also seized. The four suspects are set to appear in court again on March 18.
The case highlights a significant conspiracy to commit robbery involving international participants. The proactive intervention by local authorities thwarted a serious crime, resulting in several arrests and the recovery of stolen gold. The suspects will face legal proceedings, emphasizing the importance of vigilance against organized crime.
Original Source: www.zimlive.com
