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Crime Reporter
Three suspects believed to be behind a syndicate manufacturing fake United States dollar notes have been arrested in Gokwe with $2 150 in counterfeit notes.

Elisha Matongo (26), Tawanda Makwechemu (40) and Brighton Maningi (30) are suspected to have been targeting Eco-Cash agents and unsuspecting business people in order to obtain genuine notes in exchange for the fake ones.

Chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said the suspects were arrested last week.

“The ZRP would like to confirm the arrest of three male adults who were found in possession of fake US notes amounting to $2 150 in Gokwe,” she said.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said the trio, driving a blue Toyota Noah (Registration number ADK 2900), went to a business centre in Gokwe at around 7pm.

Matongo approached an EcoCash agent where he intended to cash in $200 in fake two $100 notes.

“The agent realised that the money was fake and screamed for help,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba. “Alert members of the public then surrounded the vehicle and apprehended the suspects before handing them over to the police.”

The suspects were searched and more fake notes, most of which were bearing the same serial numbers, were recovered.

“The police would like to urge members of the public to scrutinise notes before accepting them and desist from using counterfeit notes,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.

“Members of the public are also urged to report anyone they see or suspect to be using fake notes to their nearest police station or contact national complaints desk on telephone numbers (04) 703 631.”

In July, three people were arrested in Harare for allegedly printing fake American and South African bank notes in Sunningdale.