Eleven Ugandan Nationals Arrested For Possession Of R3 Million Fake Money

At least 11 individuals, aged between 25 and 45, are scheduled to appear in a Mpumalanga court on Monday after being arrested for possessing R3 million worth of counterfeit South African currency in Ermelo.

Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the Mpumalanga police spokesperson, reported that the arrested individuals are Ugandan nationals.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Ugandan National Arrested For Swindling Former Teacher’s Pension Funds After Meeting On Dating App

The arrests took place during Operation Vala Umgodi. According to Mdhluli, police officers noticed suspicious individuals carrying five bags while performing their regular duties. Upon stopping and searching these individuals, the officers discovered the counterfeit currency.

In addition to the counterfeit currency charges, it was found that all 11 suspects lacked valid documentation to be in South Africa.

The police are collaborating with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the suspects’ immigration status. Consequently, the 11 individuals face charges for both possession of counterfeit money and violating the Immigration Act of South Africa.

Police have indicated that additional charges may be brought against the suspects as investigations continue. The acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the officers involved in the bust.

“We are really excited by the vigilance displayed by our members and moving at this pace, we are definitely going to bring the levels of crime to its lowest,” said Mkhwanazi.

The 11 accused are expected to appear before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning. This incident underscores the ongoing efforts by Mpumalanga police to combat crime and ensure legal compliance within the province.