ZIM MAN IN FAKE MONEY BUST IN BOTSWANA

A Zimbabwean and Botswana national have been arrested in Botswana making counterfeit notes of the limited edition commemorative P50 currency.

The accused appeared before Lobatse Magistrates Court, Senior Magistrate Mr Tshoganetso Atamelang, on Monday, where State prosecutor, Ms Miriam Amos, had informed the court that investigations were still ongoing as they were still waiting for forensic documents to close the investigation.

First accused, a Zimbabwean national, Wilson Juma, aged 33, pleaded with the court to grant him bail so that he could be able to find an attorney. He also promised to cooperate fully with authorities and investigating officers, adding that he had already proven that by cooperating since the commencement of the case.

He also said that his travel documents, which included the passport, were with the police and would inhibit him from travelling outside the country. Additionally, he said that he must be granted bail for the reason that he has not committed any other offense within Botswana’s borders and therefore was not a security risk.

The second accused, More Bojong (40), pleaded with the court to admit him to bail, also promising that he shall not tamper with the ongoing investigations, and the finalisation of the forensic documents that the court was waiting for.

After paying attention to their pleas, Senior Magistrate Mr Atamelang further extended their remand in custody. He gave reason that the first accused had overstayed in Botswana and was an illegal immigrant and therefore was not a candidate for bail.

“As far as the law is concerned right now you are an illegal immigrant. The fact that you paid an overstay fine does not extend your stay in Botswana. You are an illegal immigrant, and we worry about where we will take you if you were to get bail. If we had a centre for illegal immigrants in Lobatse, if I was to admit you to bail that is where we will take you,” he said.

With regards to the second accused’s plea, the senior magistrate highlighted that the investigators were dealing with investigations on the new P50 currency and therefore it was important to give them time to complete their investigations without being rushed. He promised to give him bail on March 30 once all necessary documentation was submitted.

The duo appeared for two counts of offenses, which included making of counterfeit currency contrary to section 362 of the penal code and being found in possession of forged currency notes contrary to section 354 of the penal code.

The trial continues in a Botswana court. – #fblifestyle