Arrests Made in Zimbabwe Gold Robbery Conspiracy
Four foreign nationals were arrested in Zimbabwe for plotting to rob a smuggler transporting 4 kg of gold. The conspiracy was uncovered by local authorities after one alleged accomplice reported the plan. Following a staged operation, the suspects were apprehended, and gold and firearms were recovered. Court appearances are scheduled for March 18, 2025.
On March 8, 2025, four foreign nationals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone were charged in Zimbabwe with conspiracy to commit robbery. They allegedly plotted to rob a Chinese smuggler transporting 4 kilograms of gold to Zambia via Chirundu. The accused include 34-year-old Gohga Kan, a Singaporean, 35-year-old Wu Ke Wen from China, and Sierra Leonean nationals Aruna Saidu, 27, and Foday Kamara, 27, who did not plead during their initial court appearance. They have been advised to seek bail from the High Court.
The National Prosecuting Authority reported that the conspiracy began on February 27, 2025, when Kan approached local resident Ozias Matsikete. Kan disclosed his intentions to rob a vehicle journeying from Harare to Zambia and claimed he possessed firearms. Matsikete reported the robbery plan to the Criminal Investigation Department’s Homicide Unit, prompting an undercover operation.
On March 1, 2025, Kan arranged a meeting in Karoi to plan the robbery. Detectives infiltrated the meeting, where Kan disclosed the robbery location and outlined how the target vehicle, hampered by potholes, would be slowed down. Following a final confirmation on March 8, Kan introduced Matsikete to the alleged accomplices Saidu and Kamara, asserting he would supply firearms for the heist.
After receiving a tip-off, Zimbabwean authorities set up a multi-team operation, intercepting a Toyota Prado carrying gold at Nyabira tollgate on March 9. The vehicle was driven by Joseph Phiri, who, along with passenger Liu Wieqiang, was arrested. Investigators discovered approximately 4.018 kilograms of gold concealed beneath the car’s radio. Concurrently, Saidu and Kamara were apprehended in Karoi, where two unregistered 9mm firearms were recovered. The court proceedings for the four suspects are scheduled for March 18.
This case highlights a significant international conspiracy to commit robbery, involving foreign nationals and a planned heist targeting gold transport in Zimbabwe. The combined efforts of local authorities and intelligence services successfully thwarted the plot and resulted in multiple arrests. Further proceedings are anticipated as the suspects face legal consequences for their actions.
Original Source: bulawayo24.com
