It is alleged that Philliph Mumbai, Maxwell Basong and Tieze Zemeniouh operated a syndicate involved in the printing and distribution of counterfeit South African rand and US dollar notes. Mumbai also faces a charge of corruption.

The counterfeit money was allegedly sold and used to purchase goods.

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, “On the afternoon of 01 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, the officers 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.

The matter was postponed to July 10, 2025 for a bail investigation.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--