Increased circulation of fake K2 000 bank notes  – Malawi Police

Malawi Police Service is asking people to be  taking an extra look at the new K2 000 bank notes with  increased reports of counterfeit  in circulation.

Police made the call after the recent arrest of Iwell Banda, 35, for being found in possession of fake K2 000 bank notes worth K80 000.

The police are cautioning the general public to be watchful as some dishonest people may want to dupe them taking advantage that they may not be familiar with the newly introduced K2 000 bank note.

Spokesperson for Khunga Police Station in Nkhotakota  district Laban Makalani said Banda from Ntupi Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Kanyenda was arrested on December 31 2016 following a tip that he was in possession of fake bank notes.

“He is suspected to have obtained the forged notes amounting to K80 000 of the newly introduced K2 000 bank note from unidentified men in Lilongwe. He then started spending the money in his home village, gave some to his friend Boyson Chirwa [34] who in turn gave it to his farm labourers.

“But farm labourers realised that they had been duped after a trader recognised the notes as fake and refused to sell them his products,” explained Makalani.

Banda who appeared before Khunga Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, pleaded guilty to the charges of importing or purchasing forged notes, which are contrary to Section 366 of the Penal Code levelled against him.

When found guilty, the charge of being found in possession of fake currency attracts a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.

Sharing is caring!