An attorney and a Tshwane Metro Police Department official were denied bail by the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court on Friday, September 4, 2026, following an extensive investigation into an alleged R6 million fraud and money laundering scheme involving deceased estates.
The 43 Charges and the State’s Case
Attorney Charlotte Tibana, 33, and Tshwane Metro Police Department official Peter ‘Gagash’ Nonyane, 36, face 43 charges, including theft, fraud, alternatively theft, and money laundering. National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi detailed that the unit successfully argued that the seriousness of the allegations, as well as the strength of the State’s case and the ongoing investigation justified keeping both accused in custody.
The court also heard that Tibana previously worked at the Master’s Office before qualifying and practising as an attorney, meaning she was familiar with the legal processes and responsibilities involved in administering deceased estates. According to the State, the charges relate to Tibana’s role as executor in several deceased estates. Prosecutors submitted that despite allegedly becoming aware in 2024 that she was under criminal investigation, Tibana continued committing further offences, with some of the alleged crimes occurring as recently as July 2026.
Luxury Vehicles, Real Estate, and Specific Estate Allegations
Their arrests followed an extensive investigation into the alleged unlawful withdrawal and laundering of funds from deceased estates. The State alleges that the accused unlawfully concealed the nature, source, location, disposition and movement of approximately R6m withdrawn from bank accounts belonging to different deceased estates.
The investigation initially centered on approximately R1.75-million allegedly withdrawn unlawfully from the estate of the late Mr Masha. Hawks spokesperson Captain Wendy Nkabi stated that on October 28, 2024, funds were transferred from the trust account of a deceased estate into the account of the Estate of the late Mr Masha. On the same day, payments totalling R1.65-million and R100 000 were allegedly made to a Standard Bank account linked to McCarthy Mercedes-Benz Wonderboom for the purchase of a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz AMG G63,
said Nkabi. Nkabi alleges that portions of the estate funds were deposited into Nonyane’s bank account and subsequently laundered through the purchase of the luxury vehicle from a dealership in Pretoria, prejudicing the deceased estate and its lawful beneficiaries.
The State further alleged that Tibana owns several properties, some of which were allegedly registered in the name of her younger sibling, Rirhandzu Tibana, in an effort to conceal proceeds from the alleged criminal activities.
Witness Interference and Defense Arguments
During the bail application, the State argued that Tibana had interfered with the investigation by allegedly contacting witnesses and police officials, urging them to have the case closed. Malabi said prosecutors told the court that the investigating officer is in possession of voice recordings allegedly sent by Tibana to complainants, and that she continued communicating with witnesses even after being taken into custody.
The defence lawyer, Advocate Hlawu Maluleke, argued that there was no likelihood the pair would disrupt public order, threaten witnesses or undermine the justice system if released on bail. He told the court that both applicants had proven they have fixed, verified addresses, are not flight risks, and will stand trial. Maluleke also highlighted their personal circumstances, including minor children, adding that they have no previous convictions, no outstanding warrants, and no assets or relatives outside South Africa. They are citizens of this country, and they do not have any relatives or assets outside the Republic of South Africa,
Maluleke said.
On allegations that Tibana had made suicidal threats, Maluleke told the court that there was no substantiated evidence and criticised the State for not arranging a psychological assessment while she is in custody to prove the alleged fact. Maluleke stated: “They did nothing, just arrive in court and say to the court, by the way, don’t release this person; this person is suicidal, yet this person is in the custody of the state. The state has got all the resources to take the necessary measures because what they are alleging is very serious, but they are not substantiating it with anything…”
Next Court Dates
Nonyane had been arrested in Pretoria on August 14 by members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Unit in Polokwane during a joint operation involving several law-enforcement units, while Tibana handed herself over to authorities after warrants of arrest were announced.
