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Chinese nationals arrested over 27-tonne silica smuggling bid
19 Feb 2026 at 11:03hrs |
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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, in Mashonaland East Province. Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, and its most common crystalline form, quartz, are widely used in industries ranging from construction to high-tech electronics. The mineral is 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 suspects, identified as Can Wu (43) and Yuan Chang (52), were arrested on Monday following police investigations linking them to an incident that allegedly occurred on January 31 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 suspect, Tarisai Matsveru, who remains at large, allegedly conspired to smuggle the 27 tonnes of silica ore through Beitbridge.
The trio reportedly hired a commercial truck to transport the ore from Rockseed Mine in Mutoko to the border post. The vehicle was being driven by Aaron Siyabonga Dhlamini.
Customs officials intercepted the truck on February 3 at the Beitbridge freight terminal after noting that it did not have the required export documentation. The matter was subsequently referred to the police, leading to the seizure of both the truck and the consignment of silica pending further investigations.
Police investigations later resulted in the arrest of Wu and Chang on February 16, while efforts to locate the third suspect are continuing.
The mineral was reportedly transported from Rockseed Mine in Kotwa, Mutoko, in Mashonaland East Province. Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, and its most common crystalline form, quartz, are widely used in industries ranging from construction to high-tech electronics. The mineral is 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 suspects, identified as Can Wu (43) and Yuan Chang (52), were arrested on Monday following police investigations linking them to an incident that allegedly occurred on January 31 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 suspect, Tarisai Matsveru, who remains at large, allegedly conspired to smuggle the 27 tonnes of silica ore through Beitbridge.
The trio reportedly hired a commercial truck to transport the ore from Rockseed Mine in Mutoko to the border post. The vehicle was being driven by Aaron Siyabonga Dhlamini.
Customs officials intercepted the truck on February 3 at the Beitbridge freight terminal after noting that it did not have the required export documentation. The matter was subsequently referred to the police, leading to the seizure of both the truck and the consignment of silica pending further investigations.
Police investigations later resulted in the arrest of Wu and Chang on February 16, while efforts to locate the third suspect are continuing.
Source - The Chronicle
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