The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) is considering suspending Peter Nonyane, aka Greater Gagash Municipality, following his arrest by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, on allegations of fraud.

Nonyane, who has built a sizeable social media following under the name “Greater Gagash Municipality”, was arrested by the Hawks in Tshwane on Friday, 14 August 2026.

According to the TMPD, Nonyane, the store manager at Seventeen Lifestyle in Pretoria, remains in custody and is expected to appear in court this week.

The department said it immediately launched an internal disciplinary investigation after being informed of his arrest.

“While both the internal and external investigations are ongoing, the TMPD does not rule out issuing the member with an intention to suspend, pending the outcome of these proceedings,” the department said in a statement issued on Monday.

If suspended, Nonyane could be removed from his operational duties while the internal disciplinary process and the criminal investigation continue.

The TMPD said it was cooperating fully with the Hawks and would provide the investigating team with any assistance required.

“The TMPD wishes to reiterate its zero-tolerance stance on criminality and misconduct within its ranks,” the department said.

The department added that it remained committed to protecting the integrity of the organisation and maintaining the trust of Tshwane residents.

The allegations against Nonyane have not yet been tested in court, and he remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo confirmed Nonyane’s arrest, saying further details would be made public once he appears before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court.

NPA Limpopo spokesperson Mashudu Malabi said: “Yes, he was arrested and should appear before today or this week. We will then write an official statement.”

Alleged R1.6 million trust fund fraud

Nonyane’s arrest is understood to be linked to an investigation arising from a civil matter in Polokwane involving a family trust.

It is alleged that about R1.6 million was unlawfully taken from the trust fund in 2024.

The matter allegedly involves funds transferred from an unknown deceased estate and the subsequent purchase of a Mercedes-Benz AMG G63.

Nonyane and his wife, Charlotte Tibane, an attorney by profession, are alleged to have been linked to the transaction. The precise nature of their alleged involvement is expected to be outlined by the NPA and investigating authorities when the matter is formally placed before court.

The allegations have not been proven.

Public profile and lavish lifestyle

Nonyane has over the years developed a prominent public profile as an entertainment promoter and supporter of Tsonga music and culture.

He is also known on social media for showcasing an affluent lifestyle, including high-end fashion brands such as Gucci, Amiri, Dolce and Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Dsquared2.

He has also been associated with several luxury vehicles, including a Ford Ranger Raptor, Volkswagen Golf 8R and Mercedes-Benz V-Class.

Nonyane has previously showcased his lifestyle and property investments on social media, including a double-storey house at his home village of Mageva in Giyani, which he has said is worth about R2.1 million.

It remains unclear whether the assets and lifestyle frequently displayed on social media form part of the Hawks’ investigation.

The case is expected to shed more light on the allegations when Nonyane appears in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday.