A Ugandan national, Simon Mulema, has been arrested in South Africa after police allegedly recovered suspected counterfeit currency worth approximately Shs400 million from his apartment in Umhlanga Ridge.
Mulema was arrested on October 9, 2026, during a raid by Durban Metro Police. Officers reportedly seized R1.6 million in suspected counterfeit R200 banknotes.
Reports indicate that the apartment was allegedly being used as a brothel and was linked to a suspected counterfeit currency operation involving the so-called “Black Dollar” scheme.
Police also reportedly recovered an iPhone 16, a money safe and two expired passports during the operation.
Mulema is facing several charges, including alleged offences under the South African Reserve Bank Act and the Prevention of Counterfeiting Currency Act. He is also accused of keeping a brothel and violating immigration laws.
The case appeared before the Durban Magistrate’s Court, where proceedings were postponed to October 19, 2026, to allow further investigations.
The circumstances surrounding the suspected operation remain under investigation. The charges against Mulema are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
🚨 Ugandan National Arrested in South Africa Over Sh400m Suspected Fake Money
A Ugandan national, Simon Mulema, has been arrested in South Africa after police allegedly recovered suspected counterfeit currency worth approximately Sh400 million from his apartment in Umhlanga Ridge.
Mulema was arrested on October 9, 2026, during a raid conducted by Durban Metro Police, who reportedly seized R1.6 million in suspected counterfeit R200 banknotes.
According to reports, the apartment was allegedly being used as a brothel and was linked to a suspected counterfeit currency operation involving the so-called “Black Dollar” scheme.
During the operation, officers also recovered an iPhone 16, a money safe and two expired passports.
Mulema is facing several charges, including alleged offences under the South African Reserve Bank Act and the Prevention of Counterfeiting Currency Act. He is also accused of keeping a brothel and violating immigration laws.
The case came before the Durban Magistrate’s Court, where proceedings were postponed to October 19, 2026, to allow further investigations.
Mulema’s arrest adds to the legal troubles surrounding alleged counterfeit currency operations, with authorities expected to continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspected scheme.
The charges remain allegations, and Mulema is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
— Celeb Patrol UG (@CelebPatrolUg) October 17, 2026
