The Mpumalanga police have arrested a businessman after they found him with R1.2 million cash under his bed. The police say they were acting on a tip-off about an unlicensed firearm when they made the discovery in Tonga, near Komatipoort, yesterday.

A MILLION UNDER THE BED

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said they received a tip-off about a man in possession of an unlicensed firearm. "Our members then responded swiftly and followed the information, and upon arrival at Tonga View, they found the owner of the house and searched. It was during that time that they discovered the large sum of money hidden under the bed as well as inside the wardrobe," Ndubane said. 

Some of the cash found under the businessman's bed

HE TRIED TO BRIBE THE POLICE 

Ndubane added that the police continued searching the other rooms, where they further found a bag full of money. "It was during this process that the man tried to bribe the police officials with R50 000, but his attempts failed dismally." The police found cash notes, including R1.2 million in notes and coins, while the rest were Mozambican notes, which have been confiscated from the scene and will form part of the investigation by the police. The suspect is facing several charges, including money laundering, bribing a police officer, contravention of the prevention of organised crime, contravention of the Tax Administration Act, and other related charges. The man is expected to appear at the Nkomazi Magistrates Court in Tonga soon. "The investigation has thus far revealed that the suspect's company is responsible for clearing commercial goods," added Ndungane.