Nkhotakota, October 8, 2014, Mana: Police in Nkhotakota are keeping in custody Samson Chitembeya for allegedly being found with counterfeit bank notes amounting to K410, 000, barely two months after court in the district convicted and sentenced Edward Joshua for the same charge.
Nkhotakota Police Spokesperson Williams Kaponda said Chitembeya, 36, is alleged to have committed the crime of ‘being found in possession of papers or implements for forgery’ at Nkhotakota Trading Centre.
Kaponda said the suspect was arrested soon after producing K1000 bank note while in process of buying fresh maize from a business lady within the trading centre.
“We were tipped by the general public about the perpetrator. We kept an open eye on this culprit day and night until we found the best time to arrest him.
“Soon after the arrest, he was found with counterfeit bank notes amounting to K410, 000 upon searching him. The bank notes all bear one serial number,” said Kaponda.
The police publicist further said ‘being found in possession of papers or implements for forgery’ is felonious case contrary to section 374 (3) of the Penal Code and attracts a minimum penalty of seven years imprisonment with hard labour.
Chitembeya hails from Mtaya Village, Traditional authority (T/A) Wimbe in Kasungu district.
The suspect is expected to appear before Nkhotakota First Magistrate Court when the police finalize their investigations.
So far, Nkhotakota Police has registered four similar cases this year alone.
