Man Arrested in Tonga with Over R1.2 Million, Attempts Bribery

On March 16, 2025, a 49-year-old man was arrested in Tonga, Mpumalanga, after police discovered R1.2 million in cash during a search related to Operation Vala Umgodi. He attempted to bribe officers but was unsuccessful. He now faces multiple charges, including money laundering and bribery, and will appear in court soon.

A 49-year-old man was arrested in Tonga View, Mpumalanga, after police discovered over R1.2 million in cash during a search of his residence on March 16, 2025. This operation, part of the initiative known as Operation Vala Umgodi, was prompted by a tip-off regarding an unlicensed firearm. Contrary to expectations, the search yielded a substantial amount of cash rather than a weapon.

Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, a provincial police spokesperson, reported that the cash was hidden both under a mattress and in a wardrobe. During the search, officers found a bag filled with money. Upon realizing his impending arrest, the suspect attempted to bribe the officers with R50,000, but this effort was unsuccessful.

The confiscated funds will be integral to the ongoing investigation, and the suspect now faces multiple charges, including money laundering, bribery of a police officer, and violations of the Tax Administration Act. He is scheduled to appear in the Tonga Magistrate’s Court shortly.

The arrest of the suspect highlights the effectiveness of Operation Vala Umgodi in tackling criminal activities related to money laundering and corruption. Despite his attempts to evade the law through bribery, the police successfully confiscated a significant amount of cash, underscoring their commitment to upholding the law. The suspect now faces serious charges, reinforcing the legal repercussions of such activities.

Original Source: www.citizen.co.za