Four Foreign Nationals Charged with Gold Robbery Conspiracy in Zimbabwe

Four foreign nationals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone are charged with conspiracy to commit robbery in Zimbabwe. They allegedly planned to rob a smuggler transporting 4kg of gold to Zambia. Their plot was uncovered by law enforcement before it could be executed, leading to their arrest.

On Tuesday in Harare, four foreign nationals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone were arraigned on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery. They had intended to rob a Chinese smuggler transporting 4 kilograms of gold to Zambia via the Chirundu Border Post. The accused individuals, comprising Gohga Kan, a 34-year-old Singaporean, Wu Ke Wen, a 35-year-old Chinese national, Aruna Saidu, 27, and Foday Kamara, 27, both from Sierra Leone, were advised by Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa to seek bail at the High Court without entering a plea during their initial court appearance.

The National Prosecuting Authority disclosed that the conspiracy began on February 27, 2025, when Kan contacted local resident Ozias Matsikete to discuss plans for robbing a vehicle en route from Harare to Zambia. Kan purportedly claimed to possess two firearms and sought Matsikete’s assistance to recruit two accomplices, prompting Matsikete to promptly inform authorities about the robbery plot.

Following the initial meeting, Kan directed Matsikete to arrange another gathering with the recruited accomplices in Karoi to identify a suitable site for the robbery, given Karoi’s proximity to Zambia. During their meeting, which occurred roughly 25 kilometers from Karoi, Kan provided details about the intended robbery, citing strategic potholes that would obstruct the target vehicle’s travel.

On March 8, Kan again conferred with Matsikete, affirming that the robbery was planned for March 9 and introducing Matsikete to Saidu and Kamara, guaranteeing their involvement in the heist along with firearms. Detectives in disguise collaborated with Matsikete to thwart the plan and apprehend the suspects while also retrieving the stolen gold.

On the morning of March 9, Kan alerted Matsikete about following a Toyota Prado with Zambian plates believed to be carrying the gold. Detectives executed an interception at the Nyabira tollgate, arresting the driver and his passenger. Kan and Wu were captured while in their Honda Fit, and upon examination of the Toyota Prado, approximately 4.018 kilograms of gold was discovered concealed within the vehicle’s radio. Saidu and Kamara were also apprehended in Karoi, where two unregistered firearms were recovered. The defendants are scheduled to reappear in court on March 18.

In summary, four foreign nationals have been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery in Zimbabwe after plotting to steal gold intended for transport to Zambia. Their plans were thwarted following effective intervention by law enforcement. The case highlights significant issues regarding international crime and smuggling, showing the quick response by authorities in preventing the crime and apprehending the suspects, who will return to court shortly for further proceedings.

Original Source: www.zimlive.com