Gold smugglers nabbed in Zambia with 30kg of Zimbabwean gold

TWO Chinese nationals were arrested in Zambia for attempting to smuggle 29,9kg of gold and US$200 000 in cash from Zimbabwe.

The arrest was made on August 13 after credible intelligence received the previous day.

In a statement, Inspector-General of the Zambia Police Service, Graphel Musamba, said the gold, whose value was not disclosed, was hidden in secret compartments within the door panels of a Zimbabwean number-plated Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

The suspects, identified as Zhao Yanjing (46) and Zhao Changson (58), were apprehended as they attempted to cross into Zambia.

“This successful recovery follows credible intelligence received on 12 August which indicated that a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado bearing Zimbabwean number plates was suspected of carrying precious stones. Acting swiftly on this information, police impounded the vehicle,” said Insp-Gen Musamba.

Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered the hidden gold and cash. Both Yanjing and Changson denied any knowledge of the contraband. Yanjing claimed that she had purchased the vehicle less than two weeks prior and was unaware of the illicit cargo.

Further investigations by the Zambian police revealed that the suspects reside in Harare where they operate a fencing wire business. The gold and cash have been securely stored as evidence while investigations continue.

“We assure the public that the Zambia Police Service remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the law and maintain peace and security across the nation,” said Insp-Gen Musamba.

The latest development underscores growing concerns about illegal gold smuggling in the region and the complex networks involved in these operations.

Zimbabwe loses at least US$100 million worth of gold each month, making the fight against smuggling a crucial economic priority for the nation.

The Government is planning to role out measures to plug the leakages, including a sophisticated computerised system and drones at the country’s border posts and airports which can detect illegal activities.

Gold remains Zimbabwe’s largest foreign currency earner, making the battle against smuggling a crucial economic priority for the country.

The Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) is also ramping up efforts to combat mineral smuggling by intensifying its monitoring and surveillance systems to curb leakages.

MMCZ is responsible for marketing Zimbabwe’s mineral resources, excluding gold and silver, which fall under the Reserve Bank Zimbabwe.

Minerals account for roughly 80 percent of the country’s export earnings and 13 percent of the GDP.