Zambian National Jailed in Zimbabwe After Being Caught Attempting to Smuggle 3kg of Gold

Highway Bust: Zambian National Jailed in Zimbabwe After Being Caught Attempting to Smuggle 3kg of Gold

A Zambian man has been jailed for five years after he was caught with more than 3kg of gold he intended to smuggle out of Zimbabwe.

Joseph Phiri (33) was convicted by the Harare Magistrates’ Court for unlawful possession of gold in violation of the Gold Trade Act.

Also Read: Henrietta Rushwaya Fined $5000, Gets Suspended Sentence for Gold Smuggling

Tip-Off Leads to Highway Interception

According to the State, detectives acted on intelligence received on 28 October 2025 indicating that Phiri was planning to transport gold to Zambia through the Chirundu One Stop Border Post.

A team was deployed along the Harare–Chirundu highway, where Phiri was intercepted at Makuti Lodges while driving a Toyota Mark X bearing Zambian plates.

Also Read: Chinese Syndicate Smuggles US$10m Gold In Zimbabwe Scandal, Declares Less Than 4kg To Authorities

Gold Bars Hidden in Vehicle

A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered three gold bars concealed beneath the seat-belt winder. The seized metal was taken to the CID Major Fraud and Financial Crimes Unit in Harare, where it weighed 3,118 grams. Fidelity Gold Refiners later confirmed the assay results.

Phiri failed to produce any licence or permit authorising possession of the gold and was immediately arrested. The court has since ordered the gold forfeited to the State.

Authorities Warn Against Mineral Smuggling

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the conviction demonstrates Zimbabwe’s determination to clamp down on illegal gold trafficking, which it says fuels organised crime and deprives the nation of critical revenue.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) also reiterated its warning to individuals and companies, stressing that anyone caught with gold without proper documentation will be arrested and prosecuted.

ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged the public to report suspicious gold dealings through the National Complaints Desk or the police WhatsApp tip-off line.