R1.2m cash bust: Stacks found under bed, in wardrobe

Cash

Nelspruit – A 49-year-old man has been arrested in Tonga, near Komatipoort, for money laundering after police found R1.2 million in cash hidden in his home.

The suspect also attempted to bribe officers with R50,000, but his efforts failed, authorities said.

According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the arrest was made on Sunday, 16 March 2025, as part of Operation Vala Umgodi.

“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,” Ndubane said.

The seized cash, which included South African and Mozambican currency, will form part of the ongoing police investigation.

The suspect is facing multiple charges, including:

  • Money laundering
  • Bribery
  • Contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act
  • Contravention of the Tax Administration Act

Further investigations have revealed that the suspect owns a company responsible for clearing commercial goods.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the officers involved, commending their dedication to tackling crime in the province.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court soon.

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