Embattled attorney Charlotte Tibana and her husband, Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) officer Peter “Gagash” Nonyane, who are in hot water for alleged estate fraud and money laundering, will learn their fate on Thursday.
This is when the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane will deliver judgment in their appeal against the refusal of bail in the alleged R11 million deceased estates fraud and money laundering case.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Limpopo Division confirmed on Wednesday that judgment had been reserved for 22 October 2026 following a virtual appeal hearing before the Limpopo Division of the High Court.
The beleaguered couple is challenging the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court decision to dismiss their bail applications on 4 September 2026.
The case stems from allegations that funds belonging to deceased estates administered by Tibana, 33, who had been appointed as an executor, were unlawfully withdrawn and allegedly channelled through different accounts in a scheme that investigators say grew to involve approximately R11 million.
How the case began
As previously reported by African Times News, the investigation initially focused on the estates of the late Isaiah Masha and Jacob Mathabatha.
According to allegations presented in court, approximately R650,000 from the Masha estate and R1.1 million from the Mathabatha estate were allegedly combined in an attempt to purchase a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 worth about R1.65 million from a dealership in Wonderboom, Pretoria.
The proposed transaction reportedly raised questions when documentation authorising the use of the estate funds was requested, making it a key part of the investigation.
The allegations subsequently expanded as investigators examined additional estate accounts and more families came forward.
The deceased estates under investigation
The Polokwane Magistrates Court previously heard that the following estates and the amounts were allegedly involved in transactions being investigated by the State:
- Masha Estate: Approximately R650,000.
- Mathabatha Estate: Approximately R1.1 million.
- Maswanganyi Estate: Approximately R2.75 million.
- Moetji Estate: Approximately R1.38 million.
- Kobe Estate: Approximately R800,250.
- Mphahlele Estate: Approximately R4.3 million.
- Tlabile Estate: Approximately R110,000.
- Mashamaite and Shikwambana estates: Approximately R870,000 combined.
- Moroane Estate: Approximately R337,000.
- Mampuru Estate: Approximately R487,000.
The prosecution has indicated that the broader investigation involves 15 deceased estates.
Allegations of money laundering and concealed assets
The State alleges that approximately R11 million was unlawfully withdrawn from accounts belonging to deceased persons and that the accused allegedly concealed or disguised the source and movement of the funds.
Prosecutors further allege that money was transferred into the business account of Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise, a company linked to co-accused Jabulani Nephtal Maluleke.
The State has also alleged that Charlotte, the then administrator of the estates, registered certain properties in the name of her younger sister, Rirhandzu Tibana, 30, to conceal the proceeds of alleged criminal activity.
Nonyane, 36, is alleged to have used some of the funds for stokvel contributions and the construction of a residential property. The State has also linked approximately R1.65 million to the proposed purchase of the luxury Mercedes-Benz AMG G63.
The couple’s case has since expanded beyond the initial allegations, with additional accused and charges brought into the proceedings. They are facing a combined over 101 charges.
Rirhandzu, and Maluleke, 42, were each granted R60,000 bail by the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on 8 October 2026.
Their release followed allegations that they were linked to transactions involving the funds under investigation.
The matter will be back in court on 6 November 2026 for further investigations.
