A male suspect (49) was arrested for money laundering after being found with about R1.2 Million in cash and trying to bribe Police Officers. This achievement is as the result of the dedication by members deployed for Operation Vala Umgodi and the man was nabbed on Sunday, 16 March 2025 at Tonga near Komatipoort.
According to a report, members received a tip-off about a male person in possession of an unlicensed firearm. They then responded swiftly and followed the information and upon arrival at Tonga view, they found the owner of the house and conducted a search and it was during that time when they discovered the large sum of money hidden under the bed as well as inside the wardrobe. The astute members continued searching in other rooms where they further found a bag full of money. It was during this process when the man tried to bribe the Police officials with R50 000 but his attempts failed dismally.
The cash notes included R1.2 Million (in South African notes and coins) whilst the rest were Mozambican notes, have been confiscated from the scene and will form part of the investigation by the police.
The suspect is facing several charges, including money laundering, bribing a Police Officer, Contravention of the Prevention of organised crime, Contravention of Tax Administration Act as well as other related charges.
The man is expected to appear at the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court in Tonga soon. The investigation has thus far revealed that the suspect’s company is responsible for clearing commercial goods.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has commended members from Operation Vala Umgodi for the sterling work they are doing in the province.
Suspect nabbed with R1.2 million, charged for money laundering and bribing a police officer https://t.co/h53yIyGD7g#ArriveAlive #Cash #MoneyLaundering #Bribe @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/rOElRV3ZEF
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) March 17, 2025
