Cape Town police arrested a 38-year-old foreign national in the early hours of Tuesday, 13 May 2025, after discovering over R1 million in cash and a stash of suspicious bank cards during a raid on a residence in Table View.
Cape Town police arrest Table View foreign national with R1 million cash
The arrest followed an intelligence-led operation by members of the Provincial Operational Command Centre, who had received information linking the suspect to drug-related activities.
Officers searched the property, located on Holly Crescent in the Parklands area, where they found a mix of South African and foreign currency exceeding R1 million.
In addition to the cash, police also found a bag containing multiple bank cards registered under various names.
According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Frederick C. van Wyk, the people at the house, including the suspect, could not explain why they had the cards or the money.
This led to the arrest of the foreign national, who is now facing charges related to suspected stolen property and conspiracy to commit cybercrime.
In simple terms, “suspected stolen property” means police believe the bank cards may have been taken from other people without their permission. “Conspiracy to commit cybercrime” suggests the suspect may have planned to use these cards to steal money or commit fraud online.
These are serious offences that can carry heavy penalties under South African law.
Because the man is not a South African citizen, his arrest also raises questions about his immigration status and whether he was living in the country legally. If he is found to be in the country illegally or if his visa has expired, he could face additional legal problems, including deportation.
In some cases, people charged with serious crimes are held in custody while immigration officials investigate their legal right to remain in the country.
“The detectives from our Provincial Organised Crime, Commercial Unit are now handling the case and are looking at adding more charges as the investigation progresses,” said van Wyk.
The police have not yet confirmed whether the suspect is linked to a larger network of criminals or drug traffickers, but investigations are ongoing.
The man is expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 15 May 2025.
