Foreigners Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Gold Robbery in Zimbabwe

Four foreign nationals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone faced court charges for a conspiracy to rob a smuggler transporting 4 kilograms of gold in Zimbabwe. Their plan was thwarted by law enforcement, who arrested them during the operation on March 9. The suspects are scheduled for a court appearance on March 18.

In Harare, four foreign nationals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone have been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery. The group attempted to rob a Chinese smuggler carrying 4 kilograms of gold intended for transport to Zambia via Chirundu. The defendants, including Gohga Kan (34, Singapore), Wu Ke Wen (35, China), and Sierra Leoneans Aruna Saidu (27) and Foday Kamara (27), appeared before Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa but were not required to plead during the proceedings.

The National Prosecuting Authority revealed that on February 27, 2025, Kan approached a local resident, Ozias Matsikete, with plans to rob a vehicle traveling from Harare to Zambia. Kan claimed to have firearms and solicited Matsikete’s assistance in recruiting additional accomplices. Promptly, Matsikete reported the scheme to detectives in the CID Homicide section.

On March 1, Kan asked Matsikete to arrange a meeting in Karoi to scout for a suitable robbery location, chosen for its proximity to Zambia. Detectives posed as accomplices and met Kan approximately 25 kilometers from Karoi, where he detailed his robbery plan, citing potholes as an advantage for ambushing the target vehicle.

On March 8, Kan informed Matsikete that the robbery was scheduled for March 9. During this meeting, Kan introduced Matsikete to Saidu and Kamara, indicating that he would supply them with firearms. Detectives organized a tactical operation to prevent the impending robbery, aiming to apprehend the suspects and recover the stolen gold.

In the early hours of March 9, Kan alerted Matsikete that they were tracking a Toyota Prado with Zambian plates carrying gold. Acting on this information, detectives intercepted the vehicle at the Nyabira tollgate, taking into custody the driver, Joseph Phiri, and the passenger, Liu Wieqiang. Kan and Wu were also arrested soon after in their Honda Fit. The search of the Toyota Prado revealed approximately 4.018 kilograms of gold concealed under the car radio, while authorities arrested Saidu and Kamara in Karoi, recovering two unregistered firearms. All suspects are scheduled to return to court on March 18.

The case against the four foreign nationals highlights a serious attempt to engage in armed robbery involving a significant amount of gold. Their quick apprehension by law enforcement, facilitated by the cooperation of a local informant, underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in preventing such crimes. With all suspects set to appear in court on March 18, the judicial process will now determine the consequences of their actions.

Original Source: www.zimlive.com