Fake P200 Notes Flood Thamaga Businesses

Pini Bothoko | Monday November 26, 2018 12:24

The police have warned members of the public to be on the lookout for counterfeit money after reports of false P200 banknotes being used in and around the village.

Thamaga police station commander, superintendent Moses Kwarare told The Monitor that the fake notes being used were quite distinctive. He said the counterfeit banknotes look genuine with serial numbers, but one can spot the difference, as it feels a bit rough to the touch. Kwarare said the first case was reported last November and similar cases have been coming up throughout 2018 ever since causing a serious concern. 

“It appears that the fake banknotes are many in this policing area. Another case was reported in January then February, March, August, September and October amounting to eight cases reported so far,” Kwarare said.  “Currently we have P1,600 counterfeit P200 banknotes in our possession coming from different entrepreneurs.” 

He said they have discovered that the perpetrators target bars, tuckshops and street vendors making a move at night and late in the evening. Kwarare stated that it appears that the perpetrators wait for shops to be busy with lots of customers then they make a move. “The culprits usually buy a few things so that they can be given more change. Luckily a number of entrepreneurs have 

been coming forth to report the circulation of fake money, but to date no suspect(s) has been arrested yet in relation to the matter,” he said stating that investigations into the matter are ongoing to arrest the culprits.

He said they suspect there might be more counterfeit banknotes in circulation, especially amongst illegal street vendors who would be afraid to make a report as they fear to be interrogated on how they came into contact with the money. 

The police boss is urging members of the public to remain vigilant while they investigate the incidents. He called on members of the public to contact the nearest police station if they suspect to have a counterfeit banknote in their possession. Bank of Botswana (BoB) has issued a statement informing members of the public of the existence of the counterfeit P200 banknotes in circulation. 

The Bank said the counterfeits are scan copies of genuine P200 banknotes with serial numbers, AB5961913, AF3545355, AG5493779, AJ9305475, AJ1183081, AJ9573218 and ZZ0498296.

The apex bank called on members of the public to be vigilant and exercise caution when accepting banknotes from any source and should therefore closely examine the security features for respective banknotes widely published by the bank.