The Bank of Zambia issued a public warning that the continued mutilation of Zambian currency, including both old and newly issued banknotes, is illegal and subject to severe penalties. The central bank cited images circulating on media platforms showing banknotes being cut, buried, or burnt, and reminded the public that wilfully defacing, soiling, or damaging banknotes or coins that are legal tender is a punishable offence under Section 67(1)(f) of the Bank of Zambia Act, 2022, carrying imprisonment upon conviction of up to ten years. It also highlighted the replacement costs associated with damaged notes and coins and urged the public to report incidents to the Bank of Zambia or the Zambia Police.
Bank of Zambia 2025-04-08
Bank of Zambia warns mutilation of banknotes and coins is a criminal offence punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment
The Bank of Zambia issued a public warning against the illegal mutilation of Zambian currency, highlighting severe penalties under the Bank of Zambia Act, 2022, including up to ten years of imprisonment. The warning follows media reports of banknotes being defaced, with the central bank urging the public to report such incidents.