I didn’t know money was fake, says suspect

A 56-YEAR-OLD man of Lusaka’s Ng’ombe township has admitted being in possession of K650 counterfeit notes before the Kabwe Magistrate’s Court.

Appearing before magistrate Maxwell Shiwanga for plea, Anwell Siwale said despite being in possession of the notes, he did not know that they were counterfeit.

Siwale told magistrate Shiwanga that he had no idea that the notes he had were fake.
“I admit to the charge, but I did not know at all that they were counterfeit notes,” he said.

Mr Shiwanga told the accused that the court was recording a plea of not guilty since he said he was not aware that the notes he had were fake.
Particulars of the offence are that on June 16, this year, in Kabwe, Siwale knowingly and without lawful authority, had in his possession two K100 counterfeits notes, both bearing serial number FB126537053.

He is also accused of having been in possession of nine K50 counterfeit notes, one of which was bearing serial number EA121556184.
Mr Shiwanga refused to grant Siwale bail on grounds that he is of unclear and unmarked house in Ng’ombe township.
This State argued that the accused should not be granted bail because it will be difficult to locate him when he is needed to appear in court.
Magistrate Shiwanga adjourned the matter to July 10, for commencement of trial.