Three additional accused — Rirhandzu Tibana, Jabulani Nephtal Maluleke, and Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd — appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on 28 September 2026, joining Charlotte Tibana and Peter “Gagash” Nonyane in a case alleging fraud, theft and money laundering involving deceased estates to the value of approximately R11 million.
The State alleges the accused unlawfully withdrew and laundered money from the administration of 15 deceased estates, using various tactics including registering properties in another person’s name and disguising funds through a business account controlled by Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise. The allegations involve a complex pattern of financial misconduct across multiple estates.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Malabi, “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.” The case reflects a significant breach affecting vulnerable estate beneficiaries.
Charlotte Tibana allegedly registered some estate properties in her younger sibling’s name and used the business account of Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise to conceal or launder the stolen funds. The full extent of the money allegedly laundered is subject to ongoing court proceedings.
Earlier reports indicated Charlotte Tibana and Peter Nonyane faced 43 charges related to the theft of about R6 million from deceased estates. However, the case has since expanded, and recent reporting from sources including SABC News suggests the charges now number between 101 and 111, with the total value of the alleged stolen funds close to R11 million.
The accused remain in custody following denial of bail on 4 September 2026, with the matter postponed to 2 October 2026 for bail applications. Peter Nonyane was arrested in Pretoria on 14 August 2026, and Charlotte Tibana surrendered to authorities in Polokwane three days later.
The allegations have not yet been tested in court, and all accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The court proceedings will clarify the precise scale of the alleged fraud and the legal outcomes for those involved.