A couple appeared in the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court after being accused of allegedly stealing and laundering about R1.75 million from two deceased estates, including using R1.65 million to buy a used Mercedes-Benz AMG G63.
Charlotte Tibana, 33, an attorney and her partner, 36-year-old Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) officer, Peter Nonyane, popularly known as ‘Gagash’, face charges of theft, fraud, alternatively theft, and money laundering following an investigation into the alleged unlawful withdrawal of funds belonging to two deceased estates.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi, Nonyane was arrested in Pretoria on Friday, August 14, 2026, while Tibana was arrested in Polokwane on Monday.
They subsequently appeared in court on Monday.
The State alleges that the pair concealed or disguised the nature, source and movement of approximately R1.75 million withdrawn from the bank accounts of the two deceased estates.
Prosecutors claim that about R1.65 million of the money was used to purchase a used Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 from a dealership in Pretoria.
According to the State, the alleged transactions prejudiced the deceased estates and deprived the lawful beneficiaries of their inheritances.
The NPA further alleges that Tibana, while acting as the executor of the two estates, authorised and facilitated the transfer of funds from the estate accounts, leading to financial losses for the beneficiaries.
Both accused were remanded in custody, and the matter has been postponed to August 21, 2026, for their bail application.
Malabi said the NPA remains committed to prosecuting fraud, corruption, money laundering and other financial crimes that undermine public trust and prejudice beneficiaries entitled to estate assets.
“The prosecution of such offences remains central to safeguarding the integrity of the administration of deceased estates and ensuring accountability for those who abuse positions of trust for personal gain,” Malabi said.
