Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
Police have arrested two Chinese businessmen in connection with the attempted smuggling of 27 tonnes of silica (quartz) ore out of Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge border post.
The mineral was reportedly transported from Rockseed Mine in Kotwa, Mutoko, located in Mashonaland East Province. Silica, or silicon dioxide, and its most common crystalline form, quartz, are highly versatile natural materials. They are widely used in industries ranging from construction to high-tech electronics. Silica is also a key ingredient in ceramics, specialty glass, and the production of silicon compounds such as silicones, silanes, and high-purity silicon metal used in semiconductors.
The two suspects, Can Wu (43) and Yuan Chang (52), were arrested on Monday following thorough police investigations linking them to an incident that occurred on 31 January this year. They are being represented by Mr Jabulani Mzinyathi of Garikayi and Company legal practitioners and are expected to appear in court on Wednesday, facing charges of smuggling.
According to state papers, Wu, Chang, and a third person, Tarisai Matsveru, who remains at large, allegedly conspired to smuggle 27 tonnes of silica ore through Beitbridge. They hired a commercial truck to transport the ore from Rockseed Mine in Mutoko to the border post, with the vehicle driven by Aaron Siyabonga Dhlamini.
Customs officials intercepted the truck on 3 February at the Beitbridge freight terminal, noting that it lacked the necessary export documents. The matter was referred to the police, and both the truck and the ore were seized pending further investigations. These investigations ultimately led to the arrest of Wu and Chang on 16 February.
