Two counterfeit syndicate members await bail hearing as case postponed
One of the three connected to an alleged counterfeit money ring in Pretoria has been granted bail, while the other two remain in custody as the court prepares for a bail hearing later this month.
Three men allegedly involved in the printing and distribution of counterfeit South African rand and US dollar notes appeared in court recently.
Two of them, Maxwell Basong (39) of Pretoria North and Tieze Zemeniouh (38) from Sunnyside, had their cases postponed to July 22/
Philliph Mumbai (42), also from Pretoria North, was granted R3 000 bail by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on July 10.
Mumbai is facing charges of possession of counterfeit goods and corruption, while the other two accused face charges of possession of counterfeit goods and being in the country illegally.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), it is alleged that the three operated a counterfeiting syndicate.
This syndicate is said to be involved in the printing and distribution of counterfeit South African rand and US dollar notes.
“The counterfeit money was allegedly sold and used to purchase goods. On the afternoon of July 1, 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,” said NPA regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana.
Mahanjana said they questioned him about a printing machine he was carrying and asked 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,” she explained.
She said that during the arrest, Mumbai allegedly attempted to bribe the officers with R2 000 in exchange for their release.
Mahanjana said during the bail proceedings, the state had decided not to oppose Mumbai’s release, as he is legally in the country, has a confirmed residential address, and owns property.
“The case has been postponed to July 22, for the Schedule 1 bail applications of Basong and Zemeniouh, which the state is opposing.”
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