Attorney and TMPD officer denied bail in R6m estate fraud case

The Polokwane Magistrates' Court has denied bail to attorney Charlotte Tibana and Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) official Peter Nonyane, who are accused of allegedly stealing and laundering about R6 million from deceased estates.

The pair face 43 charges, including theft, fraud and money laundering, following an investigation into the administration of estates in which Tibana had allegedly been appointed as an executor.

The State opposed bail, arguing that Tibana had interfered with the investigation by allegedly contacting witnesses and police officials and asking for the case to be closed. Prosecutors also told the court that investigators were in possession of voice recordings allegedly sent to complainants.

It was further alleged that Tibana continued contacting witnesses while in custody.

The State also raised concerns about several properties allegedly linked to Tibana, claiming that some were registered in the name of her younger sibling in an attempt to conceal proceeds of the alleged crimes.

According to the allegations before court, Tibana had allegedly known since 2024 that she was under investigation but continued committing offences, with some transactions allegedly taking place as recently as July 2026.

Prosecutors also highlighted her previous employment at the Master's Office, arguing that she was familiar with the legal processes and responsibilities involved in administering deceased estates.

Nonyane was arrested in Pretoria on 14 August, while Tibana was arrested in Polokwane three days later.

The State alleges that approximately R6 million was unlawfully withdrawn from bank accounts belonging to different deceased estates and subsequently laundered.

About R1.65 million was allegedly used to buy a second-hand Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 from a Pretoria dealership. Nonyane is also accused of using some of the money for stokvel contributions and the construction of a residential property.

In another estate valued at more than R4.2 million, the State alleges that only R1.47 million was paid to the deceased's children, while the remaining funds were allegedly misappropriated.

The NPA said the seriousness of the charges, the strength of the State's case, the ongoing investigation and allegations of witness interference justified keeping the accused in custody.

The court agreed and denied both accused bail.

The matter was postponed to 6 November 2026 for further investigations. Both Tibana and Nonyane remain behind bars.