Attorney Charlotte Tibana is now facing five charges in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo after the State added a serious count of theft.

Tibana, the wife of co-accused Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) officer Peter “Greater Gagash” Nonyane, already faced two counts of fraud and two counts of money laundering.

The charges stem from allegations surrounding the administration of the estate of the late Hlengani Thompson Maswanganye, who died in October 2023.

According to the State, Maswanganye’s daughter, Shongile, and her nine siblings turned to Tibana to assist with the administration of their father’s estate.

The 33-year-old attorney was subsequently appointed executor of the estate by the Master of the High Court in November 2023.

The State alleges that the estate was valued at approximately R4.245 million, but that Tibana allegedly used at least R2.775 million for her personal benefit.

The prosecutor further alleged that only about R1.3 million was ultimately distributed to the beneficiaries.

The State told the court that the beneficiaries initially received R50 000 each, followed by a further payment of about R82 000 each.

Tibana argues she should be released on bail

During her bail application, Tibana argued that she was a suitable candidate for release on bail and that stringent conditions could be imposed to ensure that she attends court proceedings.

She told the court that she had surrendered her passport to the authorities and had provided proof of her residence in Bendor, Polokwane.

Tibana also informed the court that she is employed and earns approximately R80 000 a month. She said she has two twins – aged one year and five months old – who depend on her, as well as a younger sister whom she supports.

The lawyer further told the court that she employs three people through her company.

Tibana argued that she had cooperated with law enforcement and McCarthy Mercedes Benz in Pretoria since the investigation into the allegations began on 6 November 2024, after she was informed about the investigation.

Gagash also applies for bail

Meanwhile, Tibana’s husband Nonyane, who is facing separate charges in the same broader case, also told the court that he deserved bail.

Nonyane, who is also the store manager at Seventeen Lifestyle, said he is a permanent resident of Pretoria and has no relatives living overseas. He presented these as factors demonstrating that he was unlikely to flee the country.

The officer told the court that he has four children, Thato Nonyane, 13, Collen Baloyi, five, and twins Aya and Ayan, who depend on him.

Nonyane further informed the court that he is permanently employed by the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department and earns approximately R31 000 a month.

The accused also told the court that he is studying towards a higher certificate in criminal justice and investigation at the University of Johannesburg.

Nonyane indicated that he could afford bail of about R10 000 and that he intends to plead not guilty to the charges against him.

The bail proceedings have been postponed to Monday, with the court expected to consider the State’s opposition alongside the personal circumstances and undertakings placed before it by the accused.

Alleged deceased-estate transactions

The criminal case stems from wide allegations involving money belonging to two deceased estates.

According to evidence presented by the state advocate during the first court appearance on Monday, Nonyane and Tibana, an executor of the two estates, acted with common intent on 28 October 2024 when they combined the late Isaiah Masha’s R6500.000.00 with that of the late Jacob Mathabatha, R1.1 million to buy pre-owned Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 at McCarthy Mercedes-Benz in Wonderboom, in Pretoria, Gauteng.

The state alleges that money belonging to the estate was unlawfully withdrawn and subsequently laundered.

Law firm distances itself from Greater Gagash fraud and money-laundering case

A Pretoria law firm whose name and banking details were publicly circulated by fraud-accused Nonyane distanced itself from the controversial officer and his wife Tibane after the state charged them.

MAV Attorneys says it has no ongoing business or financial relationship with Nonyane, stressing that its professional dealings with him were limited to a Road Accident Fund (RAF) claim that was finalised last year.

The firm’s director, Matimba Austin Vukeya, issued a statement on Tuesday, August 18, after MAV Attorneys was mentioned in discussions surrounding the criminal case against Nonyane and Tibane.

Vukeya said he became aware that the law firm’s name had surfaced in connection with the proceedings and wanted to clarify the nature and extent of its relationship with Nonyane.

According to Vukeya, Nonyane was a client of MAV Attorneys solely in relation to an RAF matter.

The firm said the RAF claim was partially finalised through the relevant legal processes during 2025, after which payment relating to the claim was processed.