Three additional accused, Rirhlweni Tibana, Jabulani Nephtal Maluleke, and Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise, have appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court, joining Charlotte Tibana and Peter "Gagash" Nonyane in a case involving 101 charges of alleged fraud, theft, and money laundering. The charges relate to the administration of deceased estates, with allegations that about R11 million was unlawfully withdrawn and laundered from estate accounts belonging to several deceased people.
The case stems from allegations that Charlotte Tibana, who previously worked at the Master's Office before qualifying as an attorney, unlawfully administered 15 deceased estates for which she had been appointed as executor. The State alleges that Tibana was aware as early as 2024 that she was under investigation but continued to commit further offences, some of which allegedly occurred as recently as July 2026.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Charlotte Tibana allegedly registered some of her properties in the name of her younger sibling, Rirhlweni Tibana, in an attempt to conceal the proceeds of alleged criminal activities. The State further alleges that funds were transferred into the business account of Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise.
The accused were arrested between August 14 and September 27, 2026, following an extensive investigation into the alleged unlawful withdrawal and laundering of funds from deceased estates. The NPA alleges that approximately R1.65 million of the proceeds was used to purchase a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 from a dealership in Pretoria.
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. Additionally, it is alleged that Gagashe used part of the proceeds to make stokvel contributions and to build a residential property.
In another estate matter valued at over R4 million, the State alleges that only R1.47 million was paid to the deceased's children, while the remaining funds were unlawfully misappropriated. The State further alleges that Charlotte Tibana and another accused used the business account of Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise to launder the proceeds.
The case was postponed to October 2, 2026, for a bail application. However, Gagashe and his wife were denied bail, and they are in the process of appealing the ruling in the high court. All accused remain in custody.
Key points
- The case involves 101 charges of alleged fraud, theft, and money laundering linked to the administration of deceased estates.
- Approximately R11 million was unlawfully withdrawn and laundered from estate accounts belonging to several deceased people.
- The accused allegedly used various methods to conceal the proceeds of the alleged criminal activities, including purchasing luxury vehicles and making stokvel contributions.
