Making money: 10 Ugandans remanded in custody over R3 million fake money

Ten Ugandan men have made their first appearance before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court after they were arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga for alleged possession of counterfeit money.

Mpumalanga spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Monica Nyuswa told IOL that the eleventh man who was arrested by police was released as he could not be linked to the crime.

“The accused in your query made their first appearance before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court. Only 10 appeared and the other suspect could not be linked,” Nyuswa said.

She said the accused men initially appeared before court on Friday, and their case was remanded to Monday, as they required an interpreter.

On Monday, the matter was postponed to July 19.

“All are remanded in custody and will re-appear on July 19 for bail application,” Nyuswa said.

“The accused are Daniel Kamuqisha; Steven Nuwamanya; Nathan Mandela; Mzindisi Godfrey; Abaho Kanago; Amon Kwamushana; Robert Mubangisi; and Bugalga Juanes.”

On Monday, IOL reported that the Ugandan nationals, aged between 25 and 45, appeared in the Mpumalanga court after they were arrested for possession of R3 million worth of counterfeit South African currency in Ermelo.

Colonel Donald Mdhluli, Mpumalanga police spokesperson, said 11 Ugandan nationals were arrested last week during Operation Vala Umgodi.

“Members were performing their normal duties when they noticed suspicious people carrying five bags. As a result, members stopped these individuals then conducted a search. It was during this period when they discovered the fake money,” Mdhluli said.

“Members (police officers) also discovered that all of the suspects were not in possession of valid documentation 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 said the 11 accused people were charged with possession of counterfeit money as well as for contravening the Immigration Act of South Africa.

 SOURCE; IOL