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Police in Nkhotakota are keeping in custody Samson Chitembeya for allegedly being found with K410, 000 counterfeit bank notes, barely two months after court in the district convicted and sentenced Edward Joshua to prison for the same charge.
Chitembeya 36 years of age is reportedly to have committed the crime of ‘Found in Possession of Papers or Implements for Forgery’ on October 4, 2014 at Nkhotakota trading centre.
The suspect hails from Mtaya village, Traditional authority (T/A) Wimbe area in Kasungu district.
According to Nkhotakota Police Station Criminal Investigation Officer (SCIO) Sub Inspector Joseph Namuse, the suspect was arrested soon after producing K1000 bank note as he anticipated buying flesh maize from a business lady within the trading centre.
“We were tipped by the public of the perpetrator. We kept an open eye on this culprit day and night until we found the best time to arrest him.
Soon after the arrest, upon search, he was found with K410, 000 counterfeit bank notes. The bank notes all bare one serial number” Explained Namuse.
‘Found in Possession of Papers or Implements for Forgery’ is felonious case contrary to section 374 (E) of the penal code and attracts a minimum penalty of 7 years imprisonment with hard labour.
The suspect is expected to appear before Nkhotakota First Magistrate Court when the police finalize their investigations.
Meanwhile police are appealing to the general public to be very careful when transacting businesses. They should at least check for the recommended marks on the bank notes to avoid being the next victim of the malpractice.
So far, Nkhotakota Police have registered four cases of similar in nature this year alone.
