Tsumeb
Three Angolan nationals were on Monday arrested at the Oshivelo police checkpoint at Oshikoto where they were reportedly found in possession of N$395 356 in cash.
The police arrested the trio after they failed to produce documentation to indicate they had declared the money at the border post where they entered Namibia from Angola.
Police found the trio in possession of N$294 350, R84 550 and U$1000 (N$16 456 at the current exchange rate) and 4050 Kwanza.
The three suspects, who appeared in the Tsumeb Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday were identified as Joao Faria (24), Jorge Faria (53) and Joaquim Mayers (58).
Oshikoto regional crime investigation coordinator Deputy Commissioner Naomi Katjiua informed New Era that the three suspects were travelling from Angola to Windhoek in a black BMW and Toyota Land Cruiser.
N$294 350 was found in the boot of the BMW which was being driven by Mayers, while the rest was found in the front-seat of the Land Cruiser in which Jorge Faria was travelling with his son, Joao.
Both vehicles with Angolan registration plates were also impounded.
Katjiua said the suspects claim the money was meant to pay for student accommodation in Windhoek where many Angolan students are enrolled.
The trio now face charges of failure to declare goods under the Customs and Exercise Act and another charge of money laundering under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
Their case was remanded to tomorrow (Friday) for a formal bail application while the investigation continues.
State Prosecutor Nelao ya France argued that the accused should remain in custody due to the public interest, the seriousness of the offence and the high risk of absconding while investigations are still in an early stage.
New Era understands that the police have to send the serial numbers of the banknotes to the Bank of Namibia to ascertain from which part of the country the money was obtained.
Defence lawyer Grace Mugaviri represented the trio. Judge David Munsu presided over the case.
Late last year three Angolans were also arrested at the Otjiwarongo roadblock when they were found in possession of over N$1,7 million in their vehicle, after they failed to give satisfactory explanation as to how and where they obtained the money.