Simon Majadibodu|Published
The Limpopo High Court in Polokwane has dismissed the bail appeal of Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) officer Peter “Gagash” Nonyane and his wife, attorney Charlotte Tibana, who are accused of theft, fraud and money laundering linked to R11 million in deceased estates.
The money was allegedly taken from accounts belonging to 15 deceased estates.
The ruling was delivered on Thursday, October 22, following a virtual hearing on Wednesday.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi previously confirmed that judgment had been reserved.
The couple will remain in custody pending further proceedings.
Alleged R11 million deceased estates theft
Tibana and Nonyane are among the accused in a case involving allegations that approximately R11 million was unlawfully withdrawn and laundered from accounts linked to 15 deceased estates.
The State alleges that Tibana, who was appointed executor of the estates, unlawfully withdrew funds belonging to deceased people before the money was moved through various accounts.
According to the prosecution, the transactions were intended to conceal or disguise the source, location, movement and ownership of the money.
The State has also alleged that approximately R1.65 million of the proceeds was used to purchase a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 from a dealership in Pretoria.
Nonyane, popularly known as “Gagash”, is further alleged to have used some of the money to make stokvel contributions and finance the construction of a residential property.
Two co-accused granted bail
The bail appeal follows developments in the broader case, in which two additional accused were granted bail by the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on October 8.
Rirzhaku Tibana, Charlotte Tibana’s younger sister, and businessman Jabulani Nephtal Maluleke were each granted bail of R60,000.
The State did not oppose their release, according to Malabi.
The two accused are collectively facing 101 charges, including fraud, theft and money laundering, arising from allegations linked to the administration of the 15 deceased estates.
As part of their bail conditions, Rirzhaku Tibana, accused number three, must report to Letsitele Police Station every Friday between 8am and 4pm.
Maluleke, accused number four, must report to Pretoria Police Station during the same hours.
The matter has been postponed to November 6, 2026, for further investigations.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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