DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR DEALING IN COUNTERFEIT MONEY

04 OCTOBER 2025

DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR DEALING IN COUNTERFEIT MONEY

The Durban Regional Court has sentenced Mxolisi Goqo (42) to five years' direct imprisonment after he pleaded guilty (in terms of Section 112(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977) to charges of possession and tendering of counterfeit money. On 20 February 2025, Goqo, who had counterfeit R200 notes, approached various people in the central Durban area asking them if they had change for R200, with the hope of exchanging his counterfeit money.

Unbeknownst to him, the complainants that he approached were a police officer and a security guard, and they apprehended him after noticing that his R200 notes were counterfeit. Upon his arrest and subsequent profiling, it was discovered that Goqo had a previous case of the same charge. This case was enrolled simultaneously.

In aggravation of the sentence, Prosecutor Tyron Ramsamy argued that the use of counterfeit currency contributes to economic instability. Mr Ramsamy further noted to the court that businesses suffer immensely because of unknowingly concluding transactions with such currencies. Goqo was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for possession of counterfeit money and two years' imprisonment for tendering counterfeit money. The sentences will run consecutively, resulting in the effective five-year sentence. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The NPA welcomes the finalisation of this matter. This offence should not be taken lightly as the artificial increase in currency supply also contributes to inflation, thus increasing the price of items. Innocent citizens become the inevitable victims.

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KZN Division

0716700229