Court denies bail to trio accused of possessing 2,798 forged $100 bills

The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has denied bail to three men accused of possessing 2,798 forged US$100 bank notes.

Peter Musongo, a 43-year-old businessman, Wallace Kapangu, a 51-year-old peasant farmer, and Elias Tonga, a pastor from Mafuta village in Chipangali, are charged with illegal possession of forged bank notes, contrary to Section 358 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

The court heard that on August 22, 2024, in Lusaka, the three men were found with 2,798 pieces of forged US$100 bank notes, fully aware they were counterfeit.

All three denied the charges.

Tonga applied for bail, citing health concerns related to kidney issues and the need for medication, but the court denied the request, expressing concerns over the accused men’s addresses.

“None of the accused has given a proper address of where they live,” the court noted. “I don’t see how the court can locate them.”

The court directed State prosecutor Tuntuluka to ensure that Tonga speaks with his daughter to arrange for additional medication.

The three men remain in custody until their next court appearance on September 20.

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