Police nab eleven Ugandan nationals for possession of fake money

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Eleven Ugandan foreign nationals are expected to appear at the Ermelo magistrate’s court on Monday facing charges of possession of fake money and contravening the Immigration Act.

The suspects aged between 25 and 45, were arrested for possession of R3 Million worth of counterfeit South African currency on Thursday, during Operation Vala Umgodi.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, members were performing their normal duties when they noticed suspicious people carrying five bags.

He added that as a result, they stopped these individuals and then conducted a search.

“It was during this period when they discovered the fake money. Members also discovered that all of the suspects were not in possession of valid documentations to be in the country.

“Hence the investigators are working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain their status in the country,” he explained.

Mdhluli stated that the suspects were charged for possession of counterfeit money as well as for contravening the Immigration Act of South Africa.

“Further charges could be added against them as the investigation proceeds,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Mpumalanga acting police commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi applauded members for the excellent work done.

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

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Meanwhile, two of three suspects wanted for alleged house robbery were arrested on the farm district of Ladybrand, Free State.

This comes after a farmer and his helper were attacked by three armed suspects wearing balaclavas who also fled the scene with his car, which was later recovered where it was in an accident in the area.

“It’s alleged that on Saturday at about 17:00, the wife of the farmer, who was out of the province, tried to contact her husband on the farm several times but couldn’t get hold of him,” said police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring.

According to W/O Mophiring, she phoned a friend to go check on what was happening and at about 23:00, the police were informed and the rural safety coordinator activated local farmers.

He continued; “Upon arrival on the farm, the elderly woman who is working on the farm was found, but the farmer had already been taken to a local doctor by a family friend.

“It’s further alleged that three suspects wearing balaclavas and hand gloves and armed with a firearm found the woman on the farmhouse, pointed her with a firearm, and forced entry into the house.

“They found the farmer in the bathroom and pointed him with a firearm, demanding money. The suspects allegedly searched two safes but found nothing, not even money.”

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Mophiring stated that instantly, they took other valuable items, including the cellphone of the farmer, and left the scene with his Audi sedan vehicle with FS registrations. 

“On Sunday at about 04:20, the Ladybrand Crime Prevention Unit team spotted the suspected stolen vehicle in the farming town and pursued the suspects.

“During the chase, the vehicle overturned in one of the streets in town, and two suspects were arrested while the third fled the scene,” he concluded.

The two suspects, aged 21 and 28, are expected to appear before the Ladybrand magistrate court on Monday, facing charges of house robbery.