UPDATE | Mpumalangan man caught with millions remanded in custody

The man who was found in possession of R1.2-million and an undisclosed amount in Mozambican meticais briefly appeared in the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court today, March 18.

Eugine Julius Maguga (49) was remanded in custody until Thursday, March 20, when he is expected to make his formal bail application.

On Sunday, March 16, the police had received a tip-off regarding a man in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

As part of Operation Vala Umgodi, they went to Maguga’s house and conducted a search. Instead of finding the firearm the cops discovered a large sum of money.

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“The officers discovered some cash hidden under the mattress and in the wardrobe. They continued to search the house and discovered a bag full of money. Upon realising he is about to be arrested, Maguga tried his luck by attempting to bribe the cops with R50 000, but his attempts failed dismally,” a provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.

“The money was confiscated from the scene and will form part of our investigations.”

She said Maguga was arrested immediately and is facing several charges including money laundering, bribing a police officer, contravention of the Tax Administration Act as well as some other related charges.