The scourge of counterfeit cash poses a significant threat to the local economy, and law enforcement officials are determined to shield both businesses and residents from this insidious crime. Their commitment is evidenced by the recent arrest of eight suspects, who were discovered in possession of a substantial amount of counterfeit currency.
Amajuba Crime Fighter Task Team member Imran Ghafoor recounted the tense events of Sunday, 6 October 2024, when information was received around 8:30 pm regarding two vehicles making their way towards Newcastle, each occupied by individuals armed with counterfeit money.
“An operational team was established, and we went to the R34/N11 turn-off to intercept the two vehicles. The vehicles were then searched. There were four people in each car, one with three men and a woman, and the second vehicle with four men,” Ghafoor elaborated. He highlighted the collaborative effort that included the Newcastle K9 unit, Amajuba District Drug team, Newcastle Crime Prevention, Charlestown SAPS, Ingogo SAPS, Amajuba Crime Fighter Task Team, Barnard Security, and Zultrack.
As the team combed through the vehicles, they unearthed an undisclosed but significant amount of counterfeit cash. “The suspects were then taken into custody and charged with possession of counterfeit money. Three firearms were also recovered, two of which were licensed and one which was a gas gun. All the firearms were confiscated and booked in at the police station, along with the counterfeit money,” Ghafoor stated.
With the eight suspects now firmly in police custody, Ghafoor revealed that they have been linked to several other criminal activities in Vryheid, Glückstadt, and even Ulundi.
Unable to disclose the exact amount of counterfeit cash that was found, Newcastle SAPS spokesperson Lizzy Arumugam confirmed the arrests and noted, “Police investigations into the case will now continue.”
Despite the ongoing investigations, Ghafoor pointed out the dire impact the suspects’ actions have had on local businesses. “The suspects allegedly used their fake money at fuelling stations, and one suspect even had her nails done with the counterfeit cash, resulting in businesses suffering financial losses.”
Furthermore, Ghafoor emphasised that larger businesses are generally better equipped to handle counterfeit money compared to smaller enterprises. “Small businesses often don’t have the necessary equipment to check if the cash is fake. This puts those who rely on their daily income at risk, impacting not just the economy but also the livelihoods of business owners and their staff,” he explained.
As the festive season approaches, knowing how to identify counterfeit money becomes crucial. In September 2023, the South African Reserve Bank held an educational event in collaboration with the Newcastle SAPS and Newcastle CPF, aimed at enlightening residents about counterfeit detection.
As reported by Newcastillian News at the time, several key features were highlighted for recognising counterfeit money, including:
- The preamble of the South African Constitution appears as micro-lettering on the front of banknote denominations, located to the left and right of the main motif and around the watermark. This intricate wording can be viewed with the naked eye or with a magnifying glass.
- A watermark appears to the left of former President Mandela’s image. When held to the light, the shadow of a Big 5 animal unique to each denomination, along with its denomination numeral, is visible.
- Denomination numerals on the front and back of all denominations are printed in both positive and negative text, aiding identification for visually impaired individuals.
- A perfect print registration feature can be observed on the front and back of the banknotes, where two parts of an image align perfectly. When the banknote is held up to the light, the complete featured animals can be seen.
- Each banknote has a unique matching serial number printed vertically on the left side in red and horizontally on the top right side in black. Unlike previous series, the serial numbers are printed in a uniform size.
- The Coat of Arms, the words South Africa Reserve Bank, the Governor’s name and signature, the main motif, and the denomination numeral are all in raised print on the front of all denominations.
- The upgraded notes feature colour-changing ink with a spinning circle effect, a vibrant ring that rotates and shifts colour as the banknote is tilted.
For a complete guide to identifying counterfeit money, click here.
Considering the above, the ongoing investigations by law enforcement highlight the serious nature of this crime and its far-reaching impact, particularly on small businesses that lack the resources to combat it effectively.
The collaborative efforts between various agencies, including the Amajuba Crime Fighter Task Team and the Newcastle SAPS, underscore the community’s commitment to tackling this issue head-on.
However, ultimately, a united front against counterfeit cash is essential for preserving the integrity of local businesses and the wellbeing of the community. By staying informed and proactive, residents can play an active role in fortifying their economy against this insidious threat, ensuring that the smiles at the fuelling station remain genuine and not shadowed by the dark undercurrents of crime.
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