by Chris Matambanadzo
In a surprising turn of events, two Chinese nationals living in Harare have been apprehended by Zambian authorities in Lusaka, caught with 29.9 kilograms of gold and $200,000 in cash concealed within their vehicle’s door panels. The estimated value of the seized gold is US$2.3 million.
The vehicle, registered to Zhao Changson, bore Zimbabwean license plates, suggesting the gold may have been smuggled out of Zimbabwe. Zambia’s Inspector-General of Police, Graphel Musamba, confirmed that the arrests took place following a tip-off on August 12, 2024, regarding a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado suspected of transporting precious stones.
“Acting swiftly on this information, police impounded the vehicle driven by Zhao Changson, 58, accompanied by Zhao Yanjing, 46, both Chinese nationals,” Musamba stated. During interrogation, the two denied any knowledge of the gold and cash hidden in the vehicle.
The police search led to the discovery of 29.9 kilograms of gold and US$200,000 in cash concealed within the vehicle’s door panels. Despite the evidence, the suspects maintained their innocence, with Yanjing claiming she had purchased the vehicle less than two weeks ago and was unaware of the hidden items.
Further investigations revealed that both suspects, residing in Harare, are involved in selling fencing wire. They stated their trip to Zambia was to visit a friend, though they refused to disclose the friend’s name.
The gold and cash have been secured as evidence, and investigations into the case are ongoing.