Limpopo Teen’s R1.6 Million Mistake: How He Got Snared by the Hawks for Money Laundering
A 19-year-old man from Vuwani, Limpopo, has startled social media after being caught with R1.6 million in cash stashed in plastic bags at his home.
How Limpopo Teen’s R1.6 Million Cash Was Yanked
IOL reported that Nedzanani Vhugala Thivhilaeli, appeared in the Vuwani Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where he faced charges of money laundering.
According to the Hawks Limpopo spokesperson, Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, the elite crime-fighting unit received a tipoff about suspicious illegal activities at a certain house in Vuwani.
“After conducting a preliminary investigation, a search warrant was applied for,” Mmuroa said.
“The search and seizure operation led by Thohoyandou-based Hawks’ serious organised crime investigation assisted by serious corruption crime investigation, tactical response team (TRT), local criminal record centre (LCRC) and Vuwani crime prevention members was conducted on June 27.”
Mmuroa said when the team stormed the identified house, they found Thivhilaeli there.
“The search warrant was presented and the team started searching the house. The team recovered three plastics containing cash amounting to over R1.6 million. The suspect was immediately arrested and the recovered money was seized by the Hawks,” he said.
Mmuroa said the investigations are continuing to establish the source and origin of the money, as well as any possible accomplices or beneficiaries of the alleged money laundering scheme.
Money laundering is a serious offence that involves concealing or disguising the nature, source, location, ownership or control of money that is derived from unlawful activities.
According to the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, anyone who is convicted of money laundering can face a fine of up to R100 million or imprisonment for up to 30 years, or both.
Teen Shocks Mzansi
Social media users were shocked by the teenager.
Darkskin:
“And here we are 30yrs plus never seen a million💀”
Jay:
“This is uncalled for and he must be detained, anyway does someone has his contacts, Zaka ekae Yone, eshapo?”
Vambo:
“Yesterday’s report mentioned R1.9 millions, today’s report is saying R1.6 millions. Money keeps going down 😂😂😂😂”
Thulaganyo:
“How is this different from the Phala Phala dollars?”