Police arrest man for possessing K126 000 fake currency

Police in Mzuzu have arrested a 45-year-old man for possessing K126 000 ($225) in fake K1 000 notes.

In an interview on Thursday, Northern Region Police spokesperson Maurice Chapola said John Siami bought a Fanta soft drink from a shop in Chiputula Township on Saturday morning using the fake currency.

Chapola said the sales person suspected foul play and reported the matter to police who were patrolling the area.

He said Siami, who comes from Traditional Authority (T/A) Mwaulambia in Chitipa District, is currently in police custody answering charges of being found in possession of fake currency.

Chapola attributed the arrests to the sensitisation campaign police is conducting in the city and in Mzimba District to curb circulation of fake currency that is rampant in the city.

He said the police are still investigating to find the source of the fake currency.

Chapola urged the public to be alert when handling K1 000 notes which bear the following serial numbers: AB 8513272, AB 8513273 and AB 8513277.

Police have currently recovered K182 000 in fake K1 000 notes.