A 49-year-old man has been arrested on charges of money laundering after being found in possession of about R1.2 million.
Provincial police spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said the arrested man had also tried to bribe police officers after the money was found.
“This achievement is as the result of the dedication by members deployed for Operation Vala Umgodi and the man was nabbed on Sunday, 16 March 2025 at Tonga near Komatipoort,” said Ndubane.
She said police officers received a tip-off about a man who was allegedly in possession of an unlicenced firearm.
“They then responded swiftly and followed the information and upon arrival at Tonga View, they found the owner of the house and conducted a search and it was during that time when they discovered the large sum of money hidden under the bed as well as inside the wardrobe,” said Ndubane.
“The astute members continued searching in other rooms where they further found a bag full of money. It was during the process when the man tried his luck, to bribe the police officials with R50,000 but his attempts failed dismally.”
Ndubane said the money amounted to R1.2 million in bank notes and coins, while there was also Mozambican money.
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The money was confiscated from the house and police said it will form part of the investigation.
“The suspect is facing several charges including money laundering, bribing a police officer, contravention of Prevention of Organised Crime (Act), contravention of Tax Administration Act as well as other related charges,” she said.
The arrested man is expected to appear before the Nkomazi Magistrate's Court in Tonga soon.
Police added that investigations have so far revealed that the arrested man’s company is involved in the business of clearing commercial goods.
Meanwhile, acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has commended police officers deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi “for the sterling work they are doing in the province”.
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