Oshoek – A 39-year-old man has been arrested at Oshoek Border Post, in Mpumalanga, after he tried to jump through a fence into Eswatini from the South African side.
When Border Management (BMA) officials arrested and searched the suspect they found over R400 000 stashed in a plastic bag he was carrying.
Narrating events leading to the arrest, Mpumalanga Hawks’ spokesperson, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, said a South African man, who was trying to cross into Eswatini by jumping through the fence was spotted by determined law enforcers who stopped and searched him.
“He was holding a black plastic bag whereby cash amount of R424 800 was found and seized,” said Captain Sekgotodi.
“During interrogation, the suspect was asked about the money where was it coming from and where was it taken to.
“He couldn’t give a clear explanation.”
Captain Sekgotodi said it was established that the money was not declared as per FIC Act 38 of 2001 in terms of Section 54 read with Section 30.
“He was then arrested, charged with possession of suspected stolen property,” said Captain Sekgotodi.
“The money was seized and booked in the SAP 13.
“The suspect is expected to appear before the Elukwatini Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 25 September 2024.”
Investigations continue, said Captain Sekgotodi.
Mpumalanga Head of the Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) Major General Gerber, applauded the vigilance of “our counterparts from Border Management Authority, who acted with integrity”.
