16,000 euros hidden in a boot: Rhulani Mokwena arrested at Algiers airport
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
Listen to this story
Audio version in preparation · read aloud by your browser meanwhile
Coup de théâtre at the International Airport Houari-Boumédiène. Having just terminated his contract with MC Alger, the South African technician Rhulani Mokwena was intercepted by security services on Sunday. At issue: the discovery of a large sum in undeclared currency, hidden in his personal belongings.
The Algerian adventure of Rhulani Mokwena ends in justice. Only a few hours after the official announcement of his departure from the team, the 39-year-old coach was arrested as he was about to board a flight to Tunisia.
A concealment of 16,000 euros that messes things
According to information reported by the specialized daily newspaper El Heddaf, a routine check took a particular turn when border police officers (PAF) discovered about 16,000 euros in the technician’s possession. Even more surprising, a part of this sum would have been found hidden inside a boot, an operating method that immediately aroused the suspicions of the authorities about a deliberate intention to circumvent the controls.
A sum not declared at the time of its passage through customs which places Mokwena under the Algerian legislation on capital movements. Indeed, any traveler (resident or non-resident) is required to declare to the customs services the sums in foreign currency transported as soon as they exceed the threshold of 1,000 euros (or equivalent). Failure to make a declaration or concealment constituting an offence that may lead to the seizure of funds and criminal proceedings.
A departure darkened by a procedure
The former coach of the Mamelodi Sundowns was questioned and transferred to the competent services of Dar El Beïda. He must be brought before the prosecutor to answer for this attempt at illegal currency export. Pending the outcome of this procedure, a ban on leaving the national territory has been issued on him.
An unexpected twist comes to tarnish a sports record that is nevertheless positive. In eight months at the head of MC Alger, Rhulani Mokwena had managed to win the Algerian Super Cup and lift the club to the first place in the championship at the time of his departure. This incident mainly compromises his future, while his signing at the Libyan club of Al-Ittihad seemed imminent. His fate now depends on the decision of the Algerian justice.