Africa-Press – Lesotho. THE Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL) has warned of the possible influx of stolen banknotes from South Africa following riots in that country. These notes, the CBL has warned, will have blue and pink stains of ink and should not be accepted as they are the proceeds of crime.
“These ink stained banknotes are believed to be proceeds of crime from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) that were looted during last week’s violence,” the CBL statement reads.
The banknotes will have stains because ATMs hold cash in special containers protected with dye-staining technology, which is activated when the container is broken open.
While most of the cash might have been stolen from ATMs, the CBL has warned that the notes will not be accepted as legal tender in Lesotho. “Banknotes stained with security dye can no longer be redeemed or accepted as a means of payment,” the statement reads.
Warning the public and retail shops to refuse the banknotes, the CBL says “the ink marks stolen banknotes to make them unusable and worthless”. This reduces the risk of retailers, banks and other cash handlers of becoming victims of crime.
“However, if a banknote is discoloured by something other than this special security dye, it can be exchanged at any bank branch countrywide.
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Also, retailers who accepted such money will be stuck with it because they cannot use it to buy stock anywhere and they will not be able to save it with any bank.
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