Two Chinese nationals allegedly hired two hitmen from Sierra Leone to assist in an elaborate plot to steal 4 kilograms of gold from a vehicle smuggling the precious metal to Zambia via the Chirundu Border Post.
Gohga Kan and Wu Ke Wen, the suspected masterminds, reportedly recruited Aruna Saidu and Foday Kamara, whom they described as firearms experts, to carry out the heist.
The four were arrested and appeared before Harare regional magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa.
According to court proceedings, on February 27, Kan approached Ozias Matsikete with a plan to intercept and rob a vehicle transporting gold from Harare to Zambia. He allegedly requested Matsikete to find two additional participants for the operation, stating that he already had two trained men and firearms ready.
Matsikete, however, tipped off detectives from CID Homicide Harare about the planned robbery.
It is alleged that on March 1, Kan instructed Matsikete to arrange a meeting in Karoi with the recruited individuals to assess a suitable location for the ambush. He reportedly chose Karoi due to its proximity to Zambia, where he intended to transport the stolen gold.
Undercover detectives, posing as Matsikete’s recruits, traveled with him to Karoi in a Mercedes Benz. Upon arrival, Kan, who was driving a white Toyota Prado with Wen and three other Chinese nationals, directed them to a location along the Chirundu route, citing the pothole-ridden road as an advantage for slowing down the target vehicle.
On Saturday, Kan and Wen met Matsikete and the undercover detectives in Mount Pleasant, confirming that the robbery would take place the following day. Kan allegedly introduced Saidu and Kamara as the remaining members of the heist team, claiming they were highly trained and would be armed with two pistols.
With intelligence gathered, the detectives formed a special operation unit consisting of officers from CID Homicide Harare and the Police Special Tactics Troop to thwart the robbery.
The police intercepted the targeted vehicle at Nyabira tollgate, arresting Joseph Phiri and Liu Wiegiang, who were traveling in a Toyota Prado carrying the gold, which was hidden under a radio. Kan and Wen, who were following closely behind in a white Honda Fit, were also apprehended.
Phiri and Wiegiang were charged with illegal possession of gold, while officers searching Matsikete’s vehicle—where Saidu and Kamara were present—recovered a 9mm Canik 55 pistol with 14 rounds and a 9mm FN Herstal pistol with 11 rounds.
The four suspects were remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
Prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti is handling the case.
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