Four foreigners from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone have been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery in Zimbabwe after targeting a gold smuggler. The police intervened during the planning stages, resulting in several arrests and the recovery of 4.018 kilograms of gold. The accused are scheduled to appear in court again on March 18.
In Harare, four foreign nationals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone are facing charges of conspiracy to commit robbery related to a gold heist. The accused are Gohga Kan from Singapore, Wu Ke Wen from China, and Sierra Leoneans Aruna Saidu and Foday Kamara. During their initial court appearance, presided over by Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa, the defendants were advised to apply for bail at the High Court and were not required to enter a plea.
The National Prosecuting Authority alleges that on February 27, 2025, Kan approached local resident Ozias Matsikete to discuss a plot to rob a vehicle transporting gold from Harare to Zambia via the Chirundu Border Post. Kan purportedly claimed to possess two pistols and sought Matsikete’s assistance in recruiting additional accomplices, prompting Matsikete to alert the detectives from CID Homicide about the scheme.
On March 1, Kan instructed Matsikete to coordinate a meeting with the recruited accomplices in Karoi to identify a suitable robbery location. He selected Karoi for its strategic location near Zambia, where he intended to take the stolen gold. Detectives, disguising themselves as accomplices, joined Matsikete in a Mercedes-Benz to meet Kan, who arrived in a white Toyota Prado.
During the meeting, approximately 25 kilometers from Karoi, Kan specified the robbery site, noting that potholes would impede the target vehicle’s speed. On March 8, in another meeting, Kan disclosed that the robbery was scheduled for March 9 and introduced Matsikete to Saidu and Kamara, who were in his vehicle, claiming he would provide firearms for the heist.
Detectives developed a strategy to apprehend the suspects while recovering the stolen gold. On March 9, Kan informed Matsikete that they were tracking a Toyota Prado with Zambian plates believed to be carrying gold. Responding to this tip-off, detectives intercepted the vehicle at Nyabira tollgate, apprehending the driver, Joseph Phiri, and his passenger, Liu Wieqiang.
Kan and Wu were also arrested in their Honda Fit. The search of the Toyota Prado uncovered approximately 4.018 kilograms of gold concealed beneath the car radio. Meanwhile, detectives in Karoi arrested Saidu and Kamara, seizing two unregistered 9mm firearms. The suspects are set to return to court on March 18.
In conclusion, four foreign individuals have been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, targeting a gold smuggler in Zimbabwe. Following initial discussions to plan the robbery, law enforcement intervened by posing as accomplices, leading to multiple arrests and the recovery of stolen gold. The accused will face further legal proceedings on March 18, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding gold smuggling and robbery in the region.
Original Source: www.zimlive.com
