By AGISANANG SCUFF
12 July 2025- A Cameroonian national, Philliph Mumbai (42) from Pretoria North was granted a R3000 bail by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, while his other two co-accused, who are also Cameroonian nationals, Maxwell Basong (39) from Pretoria North and Tieze Zemeniouh (38), from Sunnyside are still yet to bring their bail application.
Mumbai is facing charges of possession of counterfeit goods and corruption. Basong and Zemeniouh are facing charges of possession of counterfeit goods and being illegal in the country.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that, the three accused operated a syndicate involved in the printing and distribution of counterfeit South African rand and US dollar notes. Mahanjana said the counterfeit money was allegedly sold and used to purchase goods.
“On the afternoon of 1 July 2025, Philliph Mumbai exited an e-hailing service vehicle in Elardus Park and was walking toward a nearby guesthouse when he was stopped by patrolling police officers. They questioned him about a printing machine he was carrying and where he was headed.
“When he could not answer, the police requested that he take them to the guesthouse. Upon arrival, they discovered Basong and Zemeniouh, operating similar printing machines and printing counterfeit money. All three were arrested on the scene. During the arrest, Mumbai allegedly attempted to bribe the officers with R2000 in exchange for their release,” she said.
Mahanjana further said during the bail proceedings, the State did not oppose Mumbai’s release, stating that he is legally in the country, has a confirmed residential address and owns property. She added that the case has been postponed to 22 July 2025, for the Schedule 1 bail applications of Basong and Zemeniouh, which the State is opposing.
The Guardian 