The police have arrested a 49-year-old man who was found in possession of R1.2m and an undisclosed amount in Mozambican meticais yesterday, Sunday, March 16.

According to the police, they received a tip-off about a man who was in possession of an unlicensed firearm. As part of Operation Vala Umgodi, they went to the suspect’s house in Tonga View where they conducted a search. Instead of finding the firearm the cops discovered a large sum of money.

“The members discovered some cash hidden under the matress as well as in the wardrobe. They continued to search the house and discovered a bag full of money. Upon realising he is about to be arrested, the man tried his luck by attempting to bribe police officers with R50 000, but his attempts failed dismally,” a provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.

“The money was confiscated from the scene and will form part of our investigations.”

She said the man was immediately arrested and is facing several charges including money laundering, bribing a police officer, contravention of the Tax Administration Act as well as other related charges.

#sapsMP A 49-year-old suspect was arrested by members deployed for Operation Vala Umgodi at Tonga near Komatipoort on 16 March 2025 after being found with about R1.2 million in cash. The suspect is facing several charges, including money laundering, bribing a police officer,… pic.twitter.com/i2fYu10LN9

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 17, 2025

The suspect is expected to appear in the Tonga Magistrate’s Court soon.