Ten Ugandan men made their initial appearance before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court after being arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga for allegedly possessing counterfeit money.
Monica Nyuswa, Mpumalanga spokesman for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said that the eleventh guy apprehended by police was freed since he was not linked to the crime.
“The accused in your query made their first appearance before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court. Only 10 appeared and the other suspect could not be linked,” Nyuswa said.
She said the accused men initially appeared before court on Friday, and their case was remanded to Monday, as they required an interpreter.
On Monday, the matter was postponed to July 19.
“All are remanded in custody and will re-appear on July 19 for bail application,” Nyuswa said.
“The accused are Daniel Kamuqisha; Steven Nuwamanya; Nathan Mandela; Mzindisi Godfrey; Abaho Kanago; Amon Kwamushana; Robert Mubangisi; and Bugalga Juanes.”
On Monday, Ugandan nationals aged 25 to 45 appeared in Mpumalanga court after being arrested for possession of R3 million in counterfeit South African cash in Ermelo.
Colonel Donald Mdhluli, Mpumalanga police spokesperson, stated that 11 Ugandan nationals were arrested last week during Operation Vala Umgodi.
“Members were performing their normal duties when they noticed suspicious people carrying five bags. As a result, members stopped these individuals then conducted a search. It was during this period when they discovered the fake money,” Mdhluli said.
“Members (police officers) also discovered that all of the suspects were not in possession of valid documentation to be in the country, hence the investigators are working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain their status in the country.”
He said the 11 defendants were charged with possessing counterfeit money and violating South Africa’s Immigration Act.