SARB holds currency integrity session, educates public on counterfeit banknotes
The SARB and SAPS educated the public at the Kalahari Mall in Upington on how to identify counterfeit notes. Picture: SAPS
THE SOUTH African Reserve Bank (SARB), in conjunction with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Upington, held a currency integrity session this week to educate the public and retailers on identifying counterfeit banknotes.
A police spokesperson for the ZF Mgcawu (ZFM) District, Sergeant Omphile Masegela, said the workshop on July 9 was attended by SAPS provincial, district and station co-ordinators, the Community Police Forum, representatives from the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, and small businesses in the area.
Participants received education on identifying currency authenticity, specifically focusing on counterfeit notes and dye-stained banknotes. The session also covered the newly upgraded banknotes and the fourth decimal coin series.
The SARB official responsible for Currency Integrity Enablement, Phenyo Marumo provided valuable insights on currency value. He emphasised how to identify it, particularly with the upgraded banknotes, and also discussed strategies for preserving value and handling damaged or counterfeit notes.
During the session, Currency Integrity Investigator Gerald Mariemuthoo delivered a presentation to raise awareness about counterfeit notes. He emphasised inspecting the enhanced security features of banknotes to assess their integrity.
He also provided education about stained banknotes and the implications of possessing such notes.
The awareness campaign extended to the Kalahari Mall, where one-on-one engagements took place with the public, store owners and workers.
Additionally, the South African Police Service (SAPS) raised awareness about ATM/bank scams, cyber fraud and property-related crimes.
Masegela added that the SARB was also participated in a Provincial Custody and Exhibit Management session that was held at the Sandile Present Library in Upington on July 10.
The session included provincial SAPS management, station commanders, Vispol commanders, Flash officials, and SAP 13 clerks.
During the session, the SARB’s Currency Management Department delivered a presentation to raise awareness about currency authenticity. This initiative was prompted by the identification of the ZFM District following a recent arrest related to the possession and/or distribution of counterfeit currency.
