Pretoria – Three Cameroonians arrested for possession of fake rand and U.S. dollars have appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
The accused are 42-year-old Philliph Mumbai, and 39-year-old Maxwell Basong (39) from Pretoria North, as well as 38-year-old Tieze Zemeniouh from Sunnyside.
The trio faces charges related to the possession of counterfeit goods.
In addition, Mumbai faces a charge of corruption.
“It is alleged that the three accused operated a syndicate involved in the printing and distribution of counterfeit South African rand and U.S. dollar notes,” said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana on Friday, 3 July 2025.
The NPA spokesperson said the accused allegedly sold counterfeit money and also bought goods with it.
Narrating events leading to the arrests, Mahanjana said: “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”.
Mahanjana added: “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 a similar printing machine and printing counterfeit money.
“All three were arrested on the scene.
“During the arrest, Mumbai allegedly attempted to bribe the officers with R2 000 in exchange for their release.”
All three accused have been remanded in custody, and their matter adjourned to 10 July 2025.
