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Tsholotsho barman busts fake US$100 duo
2 hrs ago |
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A vigilant barman and swift police action led to the arrest of two suspects in Tsholotsho on Friday after they allegedly attempted to buy alcohol using a counterfeit US$100 note.
Police identified the suspects as Karen Moyo (20) and Thabani Sibanda (25), both of Tracy Moyo homestead in Nemane village under Chief Gampu. They were reportedly found in possession of two fake US$100 notes bearing serial numbers LK43968695A and LK43968670A.
According to police, the incident occurred at Sizalendaba Bar at Tsholotsho Business Centre, where the pair allegedly tried to use the counterfeit note to purchase alcohol.
"Two accused persons tendered a US$100 note at Sizalendaba Bar and attempted to buy alcohol, but the alert barman realised that the note was fake and rejected it," said a police source.
The barman immediately alerted other patrons, who then tipped off police intelligence officers. Acting on the information, police tracked the suspects and arrested them near the Tsholotsho Registry.
A local shop owner told police that the same suspects had allegedly attempted a similar scam days earlier, when they tried to buy goods using a suspicious R200 note, which she refused to accept. She expressed concern that other businesses in the area may have already fallen victim to the alleged scheme.
"We heard about the attempt to buy goods using the suspicious rand note. We believe they may have already disposed of it before their arrest because they have been doing this for almost a month now," said the police source. "We hope that during interviews they will reveal more information."
Criminal Investigations Department national spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri confirmed the arrests but said further details would be released in due course.
She urged members of the business community and the public to remain vigilant, particularly during the festive season when counterfeit currency circulation tends to increase.
"We urge the business community to be very alert, especially during this festive period. Never rush to accept cash without first satisfying yourself that the note is genuine," said Det Insp Muteweri.
Police investigations into the matter are continuing.
Police identified the suspects as Karen Moyo (20) and Thabani Sibanda (25), both of Tracy Moyo homestead in Nemane village under Chief Gampu. They were reportedly found in possession of two fake US$100 notes bearing serial numbers LK43968695A and LK43968670A.
According to police, the incident occurred at Sizalendaba Bar at Tsholotsho Business Centre, where the pair allegedly tried to use the counterfeit note to purchase alcohol.
"Two accused persons tendered a US$100 note at Sizalendaba Bar and attempted to buy alcohol, but the alert barman realised that the note was fake and rejected it," said a police source.
The barman immediately alerted other patrons, who then tipped off police intelligence officers. Acting on the information, police tracked the suspects and arrested them near the Tsholotsho Registry.
"We heard about the attempt to buy goods using the suspicious rand note. We believe they may have already disposed of it before their arrest because they have been doing this for almost a month now," said the police source. "We hope that during interviews they will reveal more information."
Criminal Investigations Department national spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri confirmed the arrests but said further details would be released in due course.
She urged members of the business community and the public to remain vigilant, particularly during the festive season when counterfeit currency circulation tends to increase.
"We urge the business community to be very alert, especially during this festive period. Never rush to accept cash without first satisfying yourself that the note is genuine," said Det Insp Muteweri.
Police investigations into the matter are continuing.
Source - BMetro
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