Counterfeit notes hit Bulawayo

A WOMAN from Nguboyenja suburb in Bulawayo has been arrested after allegedly trying to buy groceries using fake $100 notes, with police sources saying there has been a proliferation of counterfeits in the city this festive season.

Melody Dube was arrested on Wednesday at Zapalala wholesale along Herbert Chitepo Street after trying to buy two packets of chicken worth $12 with a fake $100 note.

Sources at the shop said it was the second time she had been apprehended at the same outlet for attempting to buy with fake money.

Francis Maambire, the shop's manager said the shop has been finding fake notes after counting the day's takings with increasing frequency in recent weeks.

"This is not the first time this has happened and we have received at least three fake $100 notes and several fake $20 notes over the past weeks," he said.

Maambire said Dube admitted that it was not the first time she had attempted to buy using fake money.

Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Police Spokesperson Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo could neither confirm nor deny the incident.

However, police sources said they suspected a syndicate from neighbouring South Africa brought in the fake notes in circulation.

"Investigations are underway because numerous reports have been received. The fake notes are almost identical to genuine notes hence some shops are being duped into accepting them," said the police source.

The source said suspects usually bought cheap stuff worth less than $20 so that they could get change in genuine currency.

"EcoCash trading points have also fallen prey to the scam. Already reports have been circulating that these fake money dealers are targeting big retail shops," said the police source.