Police caught paying bill with fake note

By Daniel Nzia

A police officer in Machakos town was caught paying a bill with fake money. The officer had given a Sh1,000 note to a waiter at a popular pub before a co-waiter suspected the note was fake.

She shouted at the officer, attracting the attention of other patrons to the bewilderment of the police officer.

"Hii ni pesa ya karatasi (this is fake note)," shouted a waiter, who noticed her colleague was being conned.

The officer immediately snatched the note from the waiter and gave her another note to settle the bill.

He followed the two women to the counter where he asked them not to alert others, fearing possible consequences.

Unfriendly conversation

But the police officer sneaked out of the pub on noticing a senior security officer had overheard the unfriendly conversation.

"It is strange that a police officer who is supposed to protect residents is the one out to fleece unsuspecting traders," said a customer.

A senior security officer, who was contacted by ‘The Standard on Sunday’ for comment, said such incidents happen and are frustrating their efforts to fight crime.

"It is apparent that some officers are frustrating efforts to stamp out crime by engaging in criminal activities themselves," he said.

Machakos police officer Hassan Barua confirmed he had received the report on the incident.

"Yes, I got information that one of my officers attempted to pay his bill with fake currency note. I am investigating the matter," he said, on telephone.