POLICE BUST SUSPECTED MONEY LAUNDERING RING

Koster/ Rustenburg/ Klerksdorp – A collaborative operation involving the Rustenburg Detectives unit, Klerksdorp Crime Prevention, and the Potchefstroom Flying Squad resulted in the arrest of four suspects in the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District for possession of suspected stolen property and money laundering on Friday night, 17 May 2024.

According to colonel Adele Myburgh, information received led the team to a house in Kanana where one suspect, Sesing Tsabane (32), a Lesotho citizen, was found. He was arrested after chemicals used to wash dye-stained notes were found in his possession. The team then proceeded to a second house in Extension 5 in Alabama, where a substantial amount of dye-stained money was found.
Three additional suspects were apprehended: Letlala Elias Qabano (36), also from Lesotho, Joshua Molibeli (34), and Molefe Abel Fusi (26).

The accused appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Monday 20 May, and were remanded in custody until their next court appearance on Monday, 27 May. Three of the four suspects were granted bail, and one remains in custody. The next court date is set for 25 July 2024.

It is still uncertain where the money came from, as the forensic investigation has not yet been completed. Police investigations are continuing, and the possibility of linking the suspects to ATM-bombing cases cannot be ruled out.

Information that came to light, suggests a link between the suspects and the recent ATM bombing in Koster on Wednesday evening, 15 May 2024. Community members reported hearing gunshots during the bombing.

Photo: Seized and stained: A glimpse of the dye-stained cash recovered during the police operation.