MACHEKE — Police last week arrested three men, who are suspected of circulating fake American dollars, in and around Macheke.
BY JAIROS SAUNYAMA
The suspects — Itayi Mutandwa (28), Nelson Makondo (43) and Tendai Taonezvi (28) — were arrested in Macheke after they tried to use “a US$50 dollar note” at a village store before the shopkeeper discovered that it was fake.
Mashonaland East Province police spokesperson, Inspector Bulisani Bhebhe said the accused are set to appear in court on October 11.
“Police arrested three men from Macheke who are suspected of circulating fake money in the area. The three suspects who were traveling in a red VW Polo vehicle were arrested after they tried to trick a shopkeeper with a fake US$50 note,” said Bhebhe. “The matter is still under investigation and police are yet to establish whether the suspects have more fake money elsewhere.”
Police said the three drove to Tafadzwa Business Centre in Macheke. While there, it is alleged that Taonezvi proceeded to Gombo Store where he tendered a fake US$50 note to the shopkeeper intending to buy a packet of powdered milk that was costing US$6.
The shopkeeper gave Taonezvi US$44 as change.
However, as the shopkeeper was fetching the powdered milk, he discovered that the US$50 note was fake and returned to confront the suspect.
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It was then that Taonezvi snatched both the fake note and the US$44 change and ran away to the waiting getaway car.
The suspects drove at high speed but the villagers started chasing them after the shopkeeper raised alarm.
Their vehicle overturned and villagers pounced on them. Police were called and the three were arrested.
“We appeal to the members of the public, especially those in business, to carefully check their money to avoid cases like this,” said Bhebhe.
