A major fraud and money-laundering case in South Africa has expanded with the addition of three more accused, bringing the total to five individuals and one company facing 101 charges. The accused appeared briefly in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 28 September 2026. The charges include fraud, theft, and money laundering, arising from allegations linked to the administration of 15 deceased estates.
The State alleges that Charlotte Tibana, appointed as executor of the estates, concealed proceeds of crime by registering properties in her sibling Rirhandzu Tibana’s name and transferring funds into Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise’s account. Rirhandzu Tibana (30), Jabulani Nephtal Maluleke (43), and Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd appeared alongside Charlotte Tibana and Peter ‘Gagash’ Nonyane. The accused are alleged to have unlawfully concealed or disguised the nature, source, location and movement of millions belonging to deceased persons.
Investigators claim that approximately R11 million was unlawfully withdrawn and laundered, with R1.65 million allegedly used to purchase a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 in Pretoria. The State further alleges that accused 1 and accused 4 used the business account of accused 4 to launder the proceeds. In one estate valued at R4.2 million, only R1.47 million was paid to the deceased’s children, while the balance was allegedly misappropriated.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Malabi said the arrests followed an extensive investigation between 14 August and 27 September 2026. “The accused are alleged to have unlawfully concealed or disguised the nature, source, location and movement of millions belonging to deceased persons. This is a serious breach of trust and a grave violation of the law,” she stated.
Malabi-Malabi added that the NPA is committed to ensuring accountability in cases where executors exploit grieving families. “We will pursue justice vigorously to restore confidence in the administration of estates,” she said. The matter was postponed to 2 October 2026 for bail applications. All accused remain in custody pending further proceedings.
Gagashe is accused of using part of the proceeds for stokvel contributions and building a residential property. The accused are said to have exploited grieving families, highlighting the need for greater oversight in the administration of estates. The case has sparked concerns about the prevalence of estate fraud in South Africa.
The case will continue on 2 October 2026, with the accused set to apply for bail. The NPA’s successful investigation and prosecution of this case may serve as a deterrent to others who would seek to exploit vulnerable individuals.
Key points
- Five individuals and one company face 101 charges in a major fraud and money-laundering case.
- Approximately R11 million was unlawfully withdrawn and laundered.
- The NPA is committed to ensuring accountability in cases where executors exploit grieving families.
