Komatipoort – A 49-year-old man is facing charges of money laundering after being found in possession of approximately R1.2 million and subsequently attempting to bribe police officers in Tonga, near Komatipoort, Mpumalanga.
The arrest was made on Sunday, 16 March 2025, by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi. Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane commended the officers' dedication, stating that their efforts led to this significant breakthrough.
The incident unfolded after police received a tip-off regarding a man allegedly in possession of an unlicenced firearm. Acting on this information, officers swiftly responded to a house in Tonga View.
Upon arrival, they located the owner of the house and proceeded to conduct a search. "During the search, they discovered a large sum of money hidden under the bed and in the wardrobe," said Ndubane.
The search continued into other rooms of the house, where police discovered a bag filled with even more cash. It was at this point that the man attempted to bribe the officers.
"The astute members continued searching other rooms, where they found a bag full of money. It was during the process when the man tried his luck to bribe the police officials with R50 000, but his attempts failed dismally," Ndubane explained.
The money confiscated from the house amounted to R1.2 million in cash notes and coins, including some Mozambican currency. The money has been seized and will form a crucial part of the ongoing investigation.
The suspect now faces a string of serious charges, including money laundering, bribing a police officer, contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, contravention of the Tax Administration Act, and other related charges.
Ndubane said the suspect (49) faces several charges, including money laundering, bribing a police officer, Contravention of Prevention of Organised Crime, Contravention of the Tax Administration Act, as well as other related charges.
"The investigation has thus far revealed that the suspect's company is responsible for clearing commercial goods. The man is expected to appear in the Nkomazi Magistrates Court in Tonga soon," added Ndubane.
He is expected to appear before the Nkomazi Magistrate's Court in Tonga soon.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the man's company is involved in the business of clearing commercial goods, suggesting a possible link to illicit activities.
Acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has commended police officers deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi “for the sterling work they are doing in the province”.
