The Polokwane Magistrate’s Court has denied bail to Tshwane Metro Police Department officer Peter “Gagash” Nonyane and his wife, estate attorney Charlotte Tibana, who jointly face 43 charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering linked to deceased estate accounts. Magistrate Godfrey Netshiozwi delivered the ruling on 4 September 2026, remanding both accused in custody until their next court appearance on 6 November 2026.
Netshiozwi found that the couple could interfere with witnesses, noting that attempts at interference had allegedly already occurred while they were in custody. He also ruled that the accused had failed to present exceptional circumstances justifying their release on bail.
“As the NPA, we welcome the decision which has been handed down here for denying the bail of the two accused persons,” NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi told the court. Malabi added that Tibana, who served as executor of the estates in question, had allegedly tried to interfere with the investigation.
State Prosecutor Advocate Martin Molokwane told the court the charges relate to more than R4 million allegedly stolen from six deceased estate accounts under Tibana’s stewardship as an estate attorney. According to reporting by TimesLIVE, the figure could be as high as R6 million, though the exact total remains disputed across court summaries and media outlets.
According to SABC News and The Citizen, Nonyane was arrested in mid-August 2026, with one outlet specifying 14 August, while Tibana was arrested days later, reportedly on 17 August. These specific dates have not been independently confirmed by a second source and should be treated with caution.
The case has drawn national attention because it involves a serving metro police officer and a legal practitioner entrusted with administering the estates of deceased individuals. Estate fraud cases erode public trust in both law enforcement and the legal profession, particularly in matters involving vulnerable families who rely on attorneys to safeguard inherited assets after a relative’s death.
Some reports have alleged that the stolen funds were used to purchase luxury vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz AMG G63, and were transferred into a stokvel account. These claims appear in single-source reporting and have not been independently verified by court records or official NPA statements.
What remains unconfirmed is the precise total allegedly defrauded, with figures ranging from approximately R4 million to R6 million depending on the outlet. Cape Flats News journalist Thabo Mokoena will check court proceedings ahead of the 6 November appearance for further verified details.