Africa-Press – Namibia. THE four people found in possession of counterfeit money valued at N$30 000 were released on bail in the Karibib Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Magistrate Jo-Rina Jagger released Lazarus Shitula and Temus Itengula on N$8 000 bail each, while Elity Efraim and Johannes Gaseb were released on N$5 000 bail each.
Their next court appearance is on 26 April.
The four suspects were arrested last month after the police received a tip-off and were found with 33 N$200 counterfeit notes, as well as some blank US dollar notes.
The suspects were charged under the Crime Prevention of Counterfeiting Currency Act 16 of 1965 read with Act 08/1990.
Bank of Namibia’s (BoN) acting director for strategic communication Kazembire Zemburuka says Namibia continues to record low volumes and incidents of counterfeit currency.
“For example, in 2021, the counterfeit currency detected decreased to 155 pieces compared with 364 pieces recorded in 2020.
The bank has noted that the counterfeits reproduced are still of poor quality. Therefore, knowing the security features of our banknotes will easily prevent counterfeiters from defrauding unsuspecting public members,” says Zemburuka.
Counterfeit notes are mainly exchanged at small businesses, home shops and in taxis, as recipients may not be aware of the security features.
As a result, they easily fall victim to counterfeit money, often because they are in a hurry and do not verify the money, Zemburuka adds.
He requests the public to share any information regarding counterfeiting activities with the police or the BoN, to ensure culprits are brought to book.
Counterfeiting carries a fine not exceeding N$100 000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years, or both.
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