A Limpopo attorney and a Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) official accused of siphoning and laundering about R6 million from deceased estates have been denied bail and will remain behind bars.
Attorney Charlotte Tibana, 33, and TMPD official Peter Nonyane, 36, are facing 43 charges, including theft, fraud and money laundering, following an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds belonging to deceased estates.
Limpopo NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi said in a statement on Friday 4 September that the State successfully opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and concerns about alleged interference with witnesses and the investigation.
“The State argued that Tibana had interfered with the ongoing investigation by contacting witnesses and police officials and requesting that the matter be closed,” Malabi said.
The State also told the court that the investigating officer was in possession of voice recordings allegedly sent to complainants and that Tibana continued contacting witnesses while in custody.
Malabi said the State further alleged that Tibana owns several properties and that some had been registered in the name of her younger sibling, Rirandiswa Tibana, allegedly to conceal proceeds from the criminal activities.
The charges stem from allegations surrounding Tibana’s administration of deceased estates in her capacity as an appointed executor.
According to Malabi, the State submitted that Tibana knew as early as 2024 that she was being investigated but allegedly continued committing further offences, with some of the alleged crimes taking place as recently as July 2026.
The court also heard that Tibana previously worked at the Master’s Office before qualifying and practising as an attorney, meaning she was familiar with the processes and responsibilities involved in administering deceased estates.
Nonyane was arrested in Pretoria on August 14, while Tibana was arrested in Polokwane on August 17.
Their arrests followed an extensive investigation into the alleged unlawful withdrawal and laundering of funds from two deceased estates.
“The State alleges that the accused unlawfully concealed or disguised the nature, source, location, disposition and movement of approximately R6 million withdrawn from bank accounts belonging to different deceased estates,” Malabi said.
About R1.65 million of the alleged proceeds was allegedly used to purchase a second-hand Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 from a dealership in Pretoria.
Malabi said Nonyane allegedly used part of the proceeds to make stokvel contributions and to build a residential property.
In a separate estate matter valued at R4,245,762.04, the State alleges that only R1.47 million was paid to the deceased’s children, with the remainder allegedly misappropriated.
Malabi said the NPA argued that the seriousness of the charges, the strength of the State’s case, the ongoing investigation and allegations of witness interference all weighed against granting bail.
“The court agreed with the State’s submissions and denied both accused bail. Both accused remain in custody,” Malabi said.
The matter has been postponed to November 6 for further investigations.
Malabi said the NPA remained committed to pursuing accountability in cases involving fraud, corruption, theft and money laundering.
“These offences undermine public confidence in legal and public institutions and often deprive rightful beneficiaries of assets intended for their benefit,” Malabi said.
Both accused remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.
