Four foreigners from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone are charged with planning a gold robbery in Zimbabwe. They targeted a smuggler moving 4 kilograms of gold to Zambia. The plot was foiled by local detectives, leading to arrests and the recovery of the gold and firearms. They are scheduled to return to court on March 18.

In Harare, four foreign nationals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone have been charged with conspiring to commit robbery. They targeted a Chinese smuggler transporting 4 kilograms of gold to Zambia at the Chirundu Border Post. The individuals, identified as Gohga Kan (34, Singapore), Wu Ke Wen (35, China), and Sierra Leoneans Aruna Saidu (27) and Foday Kamara (27), made a brief court appearance without entering a plea, and will seek bail at the High Court.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Gohga Kan initiated the scheme on February 27, 2025, enlisting local resident Ozias Matsikete to help devise a robbery plan against a vehicle traveling from Harare to Zambia. Kan purportedly claimed to have two pistols, and Matsikete subsequently notified the detectives from CID Homicide about the robbery intentions, prompting further investigations.

On March 1, Kan purportedly asked Matsikete to arrange a meeting with additional accomplices in Karoi, a location selected for its proximity to Zambia. During this meeting, Kan divulged his robbery strategy, indicating that the area’s potholes would hinder the targeted vehicle’s progress.

On March 8, plans for the robbery were reiterated during another meeting between Kan and Matsikete, with specific arrangements set for March 9. Kan introduced Matsikete to Saidu and Kamara, claiming he would furnish them with firearms for the execution of the heist. Meanwhile, detectives developed a coordinated strategy to disrupt the robbery and apprehend the suspects.

In the early hours of March 9, Kan notified Matsikete that they were tracking a Toyota Prado with Zambian license plates carrying gold. Acting on this information, detectives intercepted the vehicle at Nyabira tollgate, arresting the driver, Joseph Phiri, and passenger, Liu Wieqiang. Concurrently, Kan and Wu were detained in their Honda Fit, while the Toyota Prado was discovered to contain approximately 4.018 kilograms of gold concealed under the car’s radio. Saidu and Kamara were arrested in Karoi, with two unregistered 9mm firearms recovered at the scene.

The recent conspiracy to commit robbery in Zimbabwe highlights the cross-border criminal activities targeting valuable resources such as gold. The swift actions of local law enforcement and the subsequent interception of the suspects underscore the importance of vigilant collaboration in thwarting criminal plans. As the individuals face legal proceedings, the community remains aware of the potential dangers posed by such illicit schemes.

Original Source: www.zimlive.com

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