Zimbabwe Police Intercept Land Cruiser With 15kg of Smuggled Gold Worth US$1.5 Million

Zimbabwe Police Intercept Land Cruiser With 15kg of Smuggled Gold Worth US$1.5 Million

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have intercepted a major gold smuggling scheme, recovering 15.7 kilograms of gold valued at over US$1.5 million hidden in a Toyota Prado Land Cruiser. The bust followed a tip-off that led detectives from the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit to track down the vehicle on 19 August 2025, resulting in the arrest of three suspects.

ZRP spokesperson Nyathi confirmed the seizure and arrests, stating,

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of three suspects following the recovery of 15,7 kilogrammes of gold valued at US$1 568 860.00.”

The recovered gold has been handed over to Fidelity Gold Refinery in Msasa, while investigations into the smuggling syndicate continue. Authorities have not released the names of the suspects, citing ongoing investigations.

The operation comes amid intensified efforts to crack down on gold smuggling networks that have long affected Zimbabwe’s mining sector. Law enforcement has been under pressure to prevent illegal leakages and secure the country’s mineral resources.

Public Reaction

Zimbabweans reacted strongly to the news, expressing frustration over the police’s decision not to release the suspects’ names and questioning why the gold was surrendered to Fidelity rather than being kept as evidence. Some questioned whether the gold was being properly handled for court proceedings, while others speculated about hidden motives behind the lack of transparency.

Here are some of the comments:

@Mathuthu:

You are usually quick to name names. I will wait.

@charambazezai:

Ndivanaaniko vanhu vacho? Munotaura mazita wani nemakore evanhu vacho. Ava vanhu vekuzivaka Hanzi vaende havo kumba

@KingTera8:

Wait, why is that the evidence already at Fidelity? Those KGs must be kept as exhibits in court.

@Mabweadziva:

Did the vehicle cross the border? Is it not allowed to carry gold in your car? Was the gold intercepted at a port of exit? Were the three men asked to declare their goods by customs, and if so, did they refuse?

@Czeditor:

The $1.5m worth of gold has been taken to Fidelity, where it will disappear, and maybe reappear as 1/2 of that, when required for trial. Why no description, or even names? If they have been arrested, they can be named. Why change the rules for these ones? Because you are related?

@MbireYaSvosve:

This report publication yangoitirwa zviya zvekuti tiite so tht kana nyaya yacho yazobuda zvonzi ndoiya yataireva otherwise you said nothing at all, no details, no names, nothing at all. Someone is hiding something.

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