Four foreign nationals charge with conspiracy to rob gold smuggler in Zimbabwe. Accused include individuals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone. Their plot was foiled by detectives following local informant’s report, leading to multiple arrests and the recovery of gold and firearms.
On Tuesday, four foreign nationals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone faced court charges of conspiracy to commit robbery in Zimbabwe. They allegedly plotted to target a Chinese smuggler transporting four kilograms of gold to Zambia via Chirundu. The accused individuals are Gohga Kan, a 34-year-old Singaporean; Wu Ke Wen, aged 35 from China; and two 27-year-old Sierra Leoneans, Aruna Saidu and Foday Kamara. During their brief court appearance before Harare Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa, they were advised to seek bail at the High Court.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) states that the conspiracy originated on February 27, 2025, when Gohga Kan approached Ozias Matsikete, a local resident, proposing a robbery of a vehicle traveling from Harare to Zambia. Kan allegedly claimed to possess two pistols and sought Matsikete’s assistance in recruiting accomplices, which prompted Matsikete to inform detectives from CID Homicide.
On March 1, Kan instructed Matsikete to organize a meeting with the new recruits in Karoi to identify a suitable location for the robbery, utilizing its proximity to Zambia for a successful escape. Detectives, disguised as accomplices, accompanied Matsikete to the meeting with Kan, driving a Mercedes-Benz to a spot 25 kilometers from Karoi, where Kan disclosed the robbery plan, including details about the target vehicle’s approach being slowed by potholes.
After further meetings on March 8, where Kan confirmed the robbery would occur on March 9, he introduced Matsikete to Saidu and Kamara, promising to supply firearms for the operation. In response, law enforcement officers orchestrated a coordinated operation to prevent the robbery. Acting on intelligence regarding Kan’s plans, authorities intercepted a Toyota Prado at the Nyabira tollgate on March 9, apprehending Joseph Phiri, the driver, and passenger Liu Wieqiang, with 4.018 kilograms of gold discovered concealed in the vehicle.
At the same time, detectives in Karoi apprehended Saidu and Kamara, recovering two unregistered 9mm firearms in their possession. The four suspects are scheduled to appear in court once again on March 18 for further legal proceedings.
In summary, four foreign nationals have been arrested and charged in a conspiracy to rob a Chinese smuggler transporting substantial quantities of gold. Their plans, which involved multiple local accomplices, were thwarted by vigilant law enforcement actions following a tip-off. The case will continue to develop as the suspects are set to return to court for further proceedings.
Original Source: bulawayo24.com
