The Bank of Namibia has condemned recent acts of currency mutilation circulating on social media.

The central bank warns of serious legal action against any person tampering with the features of the country's banknotes and new coinage series.

The recently upgraded banknotes and a new coinage series have faced criticism from some quarters of society, with the critics not happy with the look and design. 

While criticism of the country's currency design is within the rights of the citizens' freedom of expression, there are, however, limitations, especially when the expression comes with physical destruction of such a national legal tender.

A video emerged on social media last week showing someone not only defacing but also causing permanent damage to a 5-cent coin.

In the video, the golden outer-edged feature of the coin was seen completely separated from the main coin.

The person in the video can be heard mockingly saying he will take the golden part of the coin to measure its value. 

This move could set a wrong precedent that might motivate others to do the same with the aim of collecting gold from the coin for selling, risking further damage to the currency. 

The Bank of Namibia has strongly come out to condemn what it calls an act of currency mutilation.

Damaging or defacing the country's banknotes and coins is illegal, and it is punishable, and offenders could face a fine of up to N$50,000 or imprisonment of up to 3 years.

The central bank says its upgraded banknotes and coins are secure, durable and meet the international standard for quality.

Acts of tampering, the bank says, are not signs of weakness but in fact are criminal offences that undermine national pride, unity and sovereignty.

The upgraded banknotes and a new coinage series were officially launched on the 29th of September and subsequently rolled into circulation on the 30th.

They are currently circulating alongside existing notes and coins at equal value.