Foreign Nationals Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Robbery in Zimbabwe
Four foreigners from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone were charged with conspiracy to rob a gold shipment in Zimbabwe. They plotted to target a vehicle carrying gold to Zambia and were apprehended following a police operation on March 9, leading to the recovery of 4 kg of gold and firearms. They are scheduled to return to court on March 18.
Four foreign nationals from China, Singapore, and Sierra Leone have been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery in Zimbabwe. The defendants, Gohga Kan (34) from Singapore, Wu Ke Wen (35) from China, and Sierra Leoneans Aruna Saidu (27) and Foday Kamara (27), appeared before Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa. They were advised to apply for bail at the High Court without entering a plea during their brief court appearance.
The National Prosecuting Authority reported that the conspiracy began on February 27, 2025. Kan allegedly approached local resident Ozias Matsikete, proposing to rob a vehicle transporting 4 kg of gold from Harare to Zambia. Kan claimed to have firearms and sought Matsikete’s assistance in recruiting additional accomplices. Matsikete promptly reported this plan to detectives from the CID Homicide division.
In subsequent meetings, Kan detailed the robbery plan, particularly selecting Karoi for its favorable location near Zambia. Detective operatives posed as associates and met Kan to finalize arrangements. The plan included utilizing the area’s potholes to hindering the escape of the target vehicle.
On March 8, Kan and Matsikete discussed the robbery’s execution scheduled for March 9. Kan introduced Saidu and Kamara as additional members of the heist. Local detectives devised a strategy to prevent the crime while preparing for an arrest operation.
On March 9, following information from Kan about the target vehicle, detectives intercepted a Toyota Prado carrying gold at Nyabira tollgate, arresting the driver Joseph Phiri and his passenger Liu Wieqiang. Kan and Wu were arrested shortly after in another vehicle, while Saidu and Kamara were apprehended in Karoi, where unregistered firearms were confiscated. The suspects are expected to return to court on March 18.
The case of four foreigners charged with conspiracy to rob a gold shipment underscores the collaborative efforts of local authorities and law enforcement to thwart criminal activities. The meticulous operation led to the apprehension of the suspects and the recovery of stolen gold, reflecting the vigilance in border safety and crime prevention in Zimbabwe. The upcoming court proceedings on March 18 will shed further light on this case.
Original Source: www.zimlive.com
