A couple accused of allegedly stealing and laundering millions from deceased estates has been denied bail by the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Attorney Charlotte Tibana and Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) official Peter Nonyane are involved in the alleged theft and laundering of almost R6 million from deceased estates.
The pair face 43 charges, including theft, fraud, alternatively theft, and money laundering.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi said the unit successfully argued that the seriousness of the allegations, as well as strength of the State’s case and the ongoing investigation justified keeping both accused in custody.
State alleges witness interference
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. The State further alleged that she continued communicating with witnesses even after being taken into custody.
The prosecution also 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.
Alleged fraud linked to 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.
The court also heard that Tibana previously worked at the Master’s Office before qualifying as an attorney, meaning she was familiar with the legal processes and responsibilities involved in administering deceased estates.
R6 million allegedly siphoned from estates
Nonyane was arrested in Pretoria on August 14, 2026, while Tibana was arrested in Polokwane three days later following an extensive investigation.
The State alleges the pair unlawfully withdrew and laundered approximately R6 million from bank accounts belonging to different deceased estates by concealing or disguising the source, movement and ownership of the money.
Prosecutors further alleged that about R1.65 million of the funds was used to purchase a used Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 from a Pretoria dealership.
Nonyane is also accused of using part of the alleged proceeds to make stokvel contributions and finance the construction of a residential property.
In another deceased estate valued at R4.25 million, the State alleges that only R1.47 million was paid to the deceased’s children, while the remaining funds were allegedly misappropriated.
Court refuses bail
In opposing bail, the NPA argued that the gravity of the charges, the strength of the evidence, the ongoing investigation and allegations of witness interference all weighed against releasing the accused.
The magistrate agreed with the State’s submissions and denied bail to both Tibana and Nonyane.
The matter has been postponed to November 6, 2026, for further investigations, with both accused remaining in custody.
