Arrest in Tonga: Suspect Detained with Over R1.2 Million in Cash
A 49-year-old man was arrested in Tonga for possession of over R1.2 million and attempted bribery of police. He is charged with money laundering and other offenses following a search conducted under Operation Vala Umgodi. The suspect will appear in court shortly.
In Tonga, South Africa, a 49-year-old male suspect was apprehended by Mpumalanga SAPS following a tip-off regarding his possession of an unlicensed firearm. During a search conducted as part of Operation Vala Umgodi, police discovered over R1.2 million in cash, alongside Mozambican meticais, hidden under a mattress and within a wardrobe.
Upon realizing that his arrest was imminent, the suspect attempted to bribe the officers with R50,000 but was unsuccessful in his efforts. Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane stated that the cash collected would be part of the ongoing investigations.
The man is now facing multiple charges, including money laundering, bribing a police officer, and violations under the Tax Administration Act. He is scheduled to appear in the Tonga Magistrate’s Court shortly.
The arrest of the suspect in Tonga highlights the vigilance of the Mpumalanga SAPS in combating financial crime. The discovery of R1.2 million and Mozambican meticais, as well as the attempted bribe, underscores the severity of the charges he is facing, which will be addressed in upcoming court proceedings.
Original Source: www.citizen.co.za
