Two Cameroonians arrested in SA for printing fake money

By Hans Ngala

Two Cameroon citizens have been arrested for allegedly manufacturing counterfeit US dollar and South African Rand currencies from a house in Pretoria, South Africa.
Jude Yaya Oka and Evans Akor Tiku were arrested on Tuesday by South Africa’s criminal police known as the Hawks in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) K9 unit as well as the South African Reserve Bank representatives operationalised information received from Counter & Security Intelligence, Crime Intelligence.
“The team descended at the premises in Silver Lakes, Pretoria. A self-storage unit was subjected to a search. This was after the two suspects were interviewed. Inside the storage were black plastic bags that the accused were busy loading into a nearby parked motor vehicle,” said Hawks Capt Lloyd Ramovha.
Ramovha said during the arrest law officials seized the fake money, a printer that was used to manufacture the counterfeit money, a vehicle used in the commission of the offense, digital safes, and money-counter machines. Police also seized the black powder that is usually called Black Dollar, used in making fake money.

The pair have been charged with contravention of South Africa’s Currency Act and violation of the Reserve Bank Act
South African police also stated that they were investigating if Oka and Tiku had entered South Africa legally and if not, would determine what becomes of their immigration status and how they would be tried.
It is unclear how much money the two had been printing but it is estimated that the amount could be equal to millions of CFA.
They are set to appear for bail application next Tuesday at the Pretoria magistrate’s court.
CNA will keep following this story and provide updates as we receive them.