Attorney Charlotte Tibana (33) and her husband Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) official Peter “Gagash” Nonyane (36}.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court’s decision to deny bail to attorney Charlotte Tibana (33) and Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) official Peter “Gagash” Nonyane (36), who are facing 43 charges including theft, fraud, alternatively theft, and money laundering.
The State successfully opposed bail, arguing that Tibana had allegedly interfered with the ongoing investigation by contacting witnesses and police officials and requesting that the matter be closed
. The State further submitted that the investigating officer is in possession of voice recordings allegedly sent to complainants and that Tibana continued contacting witnesses while in custody.
In addition, the State argued that Tibana owns several properties and alleged that some had been registered in the name of her younger sibling, Rirhandzu Tibana, to conceal the proceeds of the alleged criminal activities.
The charges stem from allegations relating to the administration of deceased estates for which Tibana had been appointed executor. The State submitted that despite allegedly becoming aware as early as 2024 that she was being investigated, she continued to commit further offences, including some allegedly committed as recently as July 2026.
The State also informed the court that Tibana previously worked at the Master’s Office before qualifying and practising as an attorney and was therefore familiar with the processes and responsibilities associated with the administration of deceased estates.
Nonyane was arrested in Pretoria on 14 August 2026, while Tibana was arrested in Polokwane on 17 August 2026. Their arrests followed an extensive investigation into the alleged unlawful withdrawal and laundering of funds from two deceased estates.
The State alleges that the accused unlawfully concealed or disguised the nature, source, location, disposition, and movement of approximately R6 million withdrawn from bank accounts belonging to different deceased estates.
According to the allegations before the court, approximately R1.65 million of the funds was used to purchase a used Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 from a dealership in Pretoria.
The State further alleges that Nonyane used part of the proceeds to make stokvel contributions and to build a residential property.
In a separate estate matter valued at R4 245 762.04, the State alleges that only R1 470 000 was paid to the deceased’s children, while the remainder of the funds was allegedly misappropriated.
In opposing bail, the NPA submitted that the seriousness of the charges, the strength of the State’s case, the ongoing investigation, and allegations of witness interference weighed heavily against the release of the accused.
The court agreed with the State’s submissions and denied both accused bails. The matter was postponed to 06 November 2026 for further investigations. Both accused remain in custody.
The NPA remains committed to ensuring accountability in matters involving fraud, corruption, theft, and money laundering. These offences undermine public confidence in legal and public institutions and often deprive rightful beneficiaries of assets intended for their benefit.
The successful opposition to bail underscores the NPA’s commitment to protecting the integrity of investigations and ensuring that those accused of serious financial crimes are brought before the courts to answer the charges against them.