MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Police in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota are keeping in custody Yesaya Qoto, 23, for being found in possession of fake MK5000 banknotes.

Qoto was arrested on Monday, March 28, 2022 at Dwangwa Trading Centre when he was trying to transact the money into his Airtel Money wallet.

Malawi police Central East Region publicist Harry Namwaza told The Maravi Post that law enforcers have seized 115 suspected 5000 notes bearing one serial number AA7915614 amounting to MK575,000.

Namwaza said at the time in material, the suspect went to an Airtel money agent at Dwangwa Trading Centre where he wanted to transfer the alleged amount into his Airtel Money account.

“However, the Airtel Money agent told the suspect that she had only MK60,000. The suspect gave the agent a go ahead and produced the alleged bank notes which made the agent suspicious upon seeing the alleged banknotes.

“She later informed her friend and the matter was reported to Dwangwa Police Station. Police responded swiftly by deploying detectives who rushed to the place and arrested the suspect,” says police publicist.

Meanwhile, Police are investigating into the matter to establish the source where the counterfeit banknotes were printed and how far the counterfeit banknotes have been distributed.

The fake banknotes will be taken to Reserve Bank of Malawi for authentication by experts before the suspect is taken to court.

The Police in the district advise the people to be careful when they are exchanging banknotes for them not to be duped.

The suspect Yesaya Qoto hails from Mwelekete Village, Traditional Authority (T.A) Mtwalo in Mzimba District.