Fake currency in Mzuzu

Business persons operating in Mzuzu, have bemoaned the circulation of fake currency in the city.

This comes amid prolific circulation of fake K1 000 notes.

In an interview on Sunday, one of the businesspersons, who sought for anonymity for security reasons, said his airtime business has been heavily affected by fake currency.

“I am the worst hit and currently my life, my family and business is in danger because of this issue, when I report the suspects to police, they are arrested and promptly released and target me,” he said.

The businessperson said he has so far submitted over K70 000 fake K1 000 notes to police.

Wakbro Supermarket shop manager Ismael Ahmed whose shop has also been hit, said airtime vendors are the worst hit.

“He said: “Although these notes look similar, the fake ones feel more like paper.”

Police in the Northern Region have since embarked on a sensitisation campaign aimed at enlightening the public on the difference between the fake and authentic currency.

Northern Region Police spokesperson Maurice Chapola said police have so far recovered K56 000 in fake K1 000 notes.

He said the suspects are also patronising drinking joints in the city and hooking sex workers.

“We are, therefore, appealing to members of the business community to be very careful when dealing with K1 000 notes to avoid being duped,” said Chapola.