Foreign Nationals Charged in Alleged Gold Robbery Conspiracy in Zimbabwe

Four foreign nationals from Singapore, China, and Sierra Leone face conspiracy to commit robbery charges in Zimbabwe. They allegedly planned to rob a vehicle carrying gold when detected by law enforcement. The plot was foiled, resulting in arrests and recovery of stolen gold. The suspects are scheduled to return to court on March 18.

In Harare, four foreign nationals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone have been arraigned on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery. The accused include Gohga Kan, a 34-year-old Singaporean residing in Greystone Park; Wu Ke Wen, a 35-year-old Chinese national; and Sierra Leoneans Aruna Saidu and Foday Kamara, both aged 27. Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa advised them to seek bail at the High Court during their brief court appearance.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), on February 27, 2025, Kan discussed a robbery plan with local resident Ozias Matsikete, targeting a vehicle transporting gold from Harare to Zambia via the Chirundu Border Post. Kan allegedly claimed he had two pistols and requested Matsikete’s assistance in recruiting accomplices. Matsikete subsequently informed the detectives from the CID Homicide division about the robbery scheme.

On March 1, Kan directed Matsikete to organize a meeting with recruited assailants in Karoi to plan the robbery. The choice of Karoi was strategic, as its closeness to Zambia provided convenient access for transporting the expected stolen gold. Detectives, acting undercover as accomplices, met Kan in a white Toyota Prado about 25 kilometers from Karoi, where he indicated the robbery site, highlighting that the presence of potholes would slow the target vehicle down.

During another meeting on March 8, Kan informed Matsikete that the robbery was scheduled for March 9. He introduced Matsikete to Saidu and Kamara, who were present in his vehicle, claiming he would supply firearms for the heist. To counter the planned robbery, detectives devised a comprehensive strategy involving multiple teams to arrest the suspects and recover the stolen gold.

In the early hours of March 9, Kan alerted Matsikete that they were following a gold-laden Toyota Prado with Zambian registration plates. Acting on this information, detectives intercepted the vehicle at the Nyabira tollgate, apprehending the driver, Joseph Phiri, and his passenger, Liu Wieqiang. Kan and Wu were arrested shortly thereafter in their Honda Fit. Upon searching the Toyota Prado, detectives discovered approximately 4.018 kilograms of gold concealed beneath the car radio. Concurrently, the detectives in Karoi arrested Saidu and Kamara, seizing two unregistered 9mm firearms. The suspects are set to appear in court again on March 18.

The case of four foreigners charged with conspiracy to commit robbery in Zimbabwe highlights an intricate plot to steal a substantial quantity of gold. Through the diligent actions of law enforcement, particularly the timely intervention by detectives upon receiving a tip-off, the robbery was successfully thwarted. The upcoming court proceedings will further shed light on this serious offense involving international conspirators.

Original Source: www.thezimbabwemail.com