Suspected money launderers in court
Naudé said his clients were not at fault for not declaring the money that was in their possession on the day they were arrested at the border
The two foreign nationals believed to be of Mozambican nationality, who were found in possession of various currencies estimated to be over R76 million in South African monetary value, appeared in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday for bail application.
However, magistrate Ms Refilwe Tsotetsi decided to postpone their case to Tuesday (January 5). At the time of going to print the verdict was still unknown.
According to the prosecutor, Ms Lisa Ahlers, who is a senior state advocate at the Specialist Tax Unit in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution in Gauteng, Pretoria, the two men – who have since been identified although their identities can’t be published in any media yet – had been initially charged with non-declaration of currency.
She said two more charges have since been added, namely that of fraud and possession of suspected stolen property.
Appearing in court on Monday, the suspects had roped in a strong defense team in their attempt to be released on bail by enlisting the services of defence attorney,
Mr Mandla Mamba and defence advocate, Mr Pieter Naudé. Mamba argued in the court that his clients should be set free as the money found in their possession belonged to them as no cases of missing or stolen money had been registered with the police.
He further humbly requested magistrate Tsotetsi not to succumb to the pressure of political interferences and media interest in the case by declining his clients bail.
Naudé said his clients were not at fault for not declaring the money that was in their possession on the day they were arrested at the border.
He urged that many goods worth millions were crossing the border between Mozambique and South Africa without any declaration.
The court then adjourned for a few minutes to give an opportunity for the suspects’ defence team and the state to reach consensus.
Media and the public flocked to court as early as 09:00 in the morning to catch a glimpse of the two men found to be in possession of what has been described as the largest seizure of cash in South African history.
The case was also delayed due to the non-availability of a Portuguese interpreter, who then arrived after 14:00.
It finally resumed again after 16:00 and Tsotetsi told the accused that the state had decided to roll it over until the next day.
“Your case has been postponed till tomorrow (January 5). This arrangement has been confirmed with your attorneys,
Mr Naudé and Mr Mamba,” said Tsotetsi. The two were arrested on a Christmas Day during a joint operation led by the SAPS and SARS at the Lebombo Border Post. They were trying to smuggle an estimated R76 million into the country. They were reportedly on their way to Johannesburg.
The cash – in various currencies – was found hidden in a specially built compartment in the back of a silver Toyota Hilux double cab.
According to police, it would have escaped detection had it not been for an anonymous tip-off to the South African police.
Once the police had found the money it reportedly took them five hours to count it. According to the SAPS, the money confiscated was US$4, 9 million,
€2,2 million and R20 000.
