A 35-year-old man has been apprehended by the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department’s (EMPD) Tactical Response Unit, in collaboration with the South African Police Service’s Crime Intelligence Unit.
The arrest took place in the Delmore Park area after the man was found in possession of money stained with ink.
The confiscated bank notes, amounting to over R4,000, were marked with a dye that rendered them unusable as legal tender. The EMPD spokesperson, Katlego Mphahlele, stated that the arrest was the result of an interim joint operation between law enforcement agencies.
This operation was initiated based on intelligence received from a reliable source regarding a suspect who was suspected of harbouring illegal firearms and ammunition at his residence.
A dedicated team of officers promptly proceeded to the given address on Impangela Street, where the suspect’s house was located.
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During the raid, the male occupant present on the premises was unable to provide satisfactory answers when officers discovered R200, R100, and R50 notes stained with dye, totalling R4,150. Subsequently, the suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Reiger Park Police Station.
Mphahlele further added that the arrested individual is facing charges of possession of stolen property and is expected to appear before the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court in the near future.
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) employ special containers to safeguard the cash they hold. These containers are equipped with dye-stain technology, which is activated when an attempt is made to forcibly access the cash.
Once activated, the dye permanently stains the banknotes, rendering them valueless as legal currency.
It is important to note that possession of these dye-stained notes can make individuals subjects of a criminal investigation. Law enforcement authorities will seek to determine whether the individuals were involved in the theft and unauthorized access to ATM containers.
Therefore, it is crucial for individuals who come into possession of such notes to report them to the relevant authorities immediately. Failure to do so may result in legal consequences and further investigation.
