In a case involving the alleged theft and laundering of at least R11 million from deceased estates, two accused have been granted bail by the Polokwane Magistrate's Court. Rirzhaku Tibana, 30, and Jabulani Nephtal Maluleke, 43, were each released on R60,000 bail on Thursday. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi said the State did not oppose their release on bail.
The two accused are collectively facing 101 charges, including fraud, theft, and money laundering, arising from allegations involving the administration of 15 deceased estates. As part of their bail conditions, Tibana must report to a police station in Pretoria between 8am and 4pm every Friday, while Maluleke must report at Letsitele police station during the same hours every Friday.
The matter was postponed to November 6, 2026, for further investigations. The State alleges that Charlotte Tibana, who had been appointed as executor of the 15 deceased estates, unlawfully withdrew and laundered funds belonging to the estates. According to the State, the accused allegedly concealed or disguised the nature, source, location, disposition, and movement of approximately R11 million withdrawn from estate accounts belonging to various deceased people.
The State further alleges that Charlotte Tibana owns several properties and registered some of them in the name of her younger sibling, Rirzhaku Tibana, in an attempt to conceal the proceeds of alleged criminal activities. It is also alleged that funds were transferred into the business account of Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd.
The State alleges that a Ford Raptor purchased by Peter 'Gagashe' Nonyane was registered in Rirzhaku Tibana's name. It further alleges that Gagashe, who is married to Charlotte Tibana, used some of the alleged proceeds to make stokvel contributions and to build a residential property. A Mercedes-Benz allegedly bought with estate funds was also mentioned in the allegations.
In another estate matter valued at R4,245,762.04, the State alleges that only R1.47 million was paid to the deceased's children, while the balance was allegedly misappropriated. It is further alleged that Charlotte Tibana and Maluleke used Maluleke's business account to launder the proceeds.
Meanwhile, Gagashe and his wife, Charlotte Tibana, were denied bail and are in the process of appealing the ruling in the High Court. The case has been postponed to November 6, 2026, for further investigation.
Key points
- The two accused granted bail are collectively facing 101 charges, including fraud, theft, and money laundering.
- The State alleges that approximately R11 million was withdrawn and laundered from estate accounts belonging to various deceased people.
- Gagashe and his wife, Charlotte Tibana, were denied bail and are appealing the ruling in the High Court.
