In a dramatic development, two Chinese nationals residing in Harare were apprehended by Zambian authorities in Lusaka with a substantial stash of gold and cash concealed in their vehicle. The suspects, Zhao Changson and Zhao Yanjing, were found to be transporting 29.9 kilograms of gold, valued at approximately US$2.3 million, along with $200,000 in cash, all hidden within the door panels of their vehicle.
The vehicle in question, a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado bearing Zimbabwean license plates, was registered to Zhao Changson. This detail raises suspicions that the gold may have been illicitly smuggled out of Zimbabwe. On August 12, 2024, Zambian police received a tip-off regarding the Prado’s suspicious activities and its possible involvement in transporting precious stones.
Inspector-General of Police Graphel Musamba confirmed in a statement that, acting on the received information, authorities intercepted the vehicle. Zhao Changson, aged 58, and Zhao Yanjing, aged 46, were identified as the occupants. During subsequent interrogations, the pair denied any knowledge of the gold and cash hidden within their vehicle.
“The search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 29.9 kilograms of gold and US$200,000 in cash, which were concealed within the door panels,” Musamba reported. Despite the overwhelming evidence, the suspects maintained their innocence, with Yanjing asserting that she had purchased the vehicle less than two weeks prior and was unaware of the hidden contraband.
Further investigation into the suspects’ background revealed that they are involved in the fencing wire business in Harare. They claimed their journey to Zambia was merely a visit to a friend, though they declined to reveal the friend’s identity.
The gold and cash have been confiscated as evidence while ongoing investigations continue to unravel the full extent of this operation. The case highlights growing concerns about illegal gold trafficking and the complex networks involved in such smuggling operations.
In other news – 12 arrested in Gokwe amid anti-government protest
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) have reported the arrest of 12 individuals in Gokwe who allegedly took part in a protest against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s upcoming role as chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
According to ZLHR, the demonstrators were detained for expressing their opposition to Mnangagwa’s assumption of the SADC chairmanship at a regional meeting in Harare. Zimbabwe is set to host the SADC summit this Saturday, marking the country’s transition to the chairperson position for the next year, taking over from Angola. Read More
