Man appears in court after alleged R1.6m counterfeit cash haul in Umhlanga

A 35-year-old Ugandan national has appeared in the Durban Magistrates’ Court after allegedly being found in possession of R1.6 million in counterfeit R200 notes in Umhlanga, north of Durban.

Simon Mulema faces a charge relating to the possession of counterfeit money following his alleged arrest on Friday.

Details surrounding the circumstances of the arrest have not been made public. The case is being investigated by Durban North SAPS.

Mulema appeared in court on Monday, where the matter was postponed to October 19 for further investigation.

Man accused of possessing counterfeit banknotes

According to the charge sheet, Mulema is accused of possessing counterfeit currency without authorisation from the South African Reserve Bank.

The charge refers to the South African Reserve Bank Act 90 of 1989, read with the Prevention of Counterfeiting Currency Act 16 of 1965 and section 250 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977.

The state alleges that he knowingly possessed material bearing words, figures, letters, marks, lines or other features associated with South African banknotes or legal tender.

The alleged R1.6 million haul consisted of R200 notes, although authorities have not provided further details about where the notes were discovered or whether anyone else is being investigated.

Case postponed for further investigation

The matter is expected to return to the Durban Magistrates’ Court on Monday, October 19, as investigators continue their work.

Mulema has been charged, but the allegations have not yet been proven in court.

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Source: IOL