Charlotte Tibana remains behind bars as sister gets R60,000 bail
POLOKWANE — Two more accused in the alleged theft of R11 million from deceased estates have been released on R60,000 bail each, while suspended attorney Charlotte Tibana and her husband, Tshwane Metro Police officer Peter “Gagash” Nonyane, remain behind bars.
The Polokwane Magistrate’s Court granted bail to Charlotte’s younger sister, Rirzhoneg Tibana, 30, and businessman Jabulani Maluleke, 43, on Thursday after the State declined to oppose their applications.
The decision means two accused will remain in custody while the others await trial outside prison. All four face allegations linked to 15 deceased estates and 101 charges, including fraud, theft and money laundering.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Charlotte Tibana was appointed executor of the estates and allegedly used her position to withdraw millions of rand belonging to deceased people’s beneficiaries.
Prosecutors allege that approximately R11 million was moved through various accounts and transactions to conceal its origin and ownership.
The investigation has also uncovered allegations involving luxury vehicles, properties and business accounts.
Among the transactions under scrutiny is the alleged use of approximately R1.65 million in estate funds to purchase a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 from a Pretoria dealership.
Investigators also allege that a Ford Ranger Raptor purchased by Nonyane was registered in his sister-in-law’s name.
The State further claims that Charlotte Tibana registered properties in her younger sister’s name to conceal assets allegedly acquired through unlawful transactions.
One of the most significant allegations concerns an estate valued at approximately R4.25 million.
According to prosecutors, only R1.47 million was paid to the deceased person’s children, while the remaining funds were allegedly misappropriated.
Maluleke, a director of Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise, is accused of allowing his company’s business account to be used to move funds linked to the estates.
The company has also been joined as an accused in the proceedings.
The case has raised concerns about the protection of beneficiaries whose inheritances are administered by court-appointed executors. Families depend on these professionals to identify assets, settle liabilities and distribute the remaining money according to the law.
Magistrate Mpho Hadebe granted the two accused bail with conditions requiring them to report to designated police stations every Friday.
Tibana must report to Letsitele Police Station, while Maluleke must report to Pretoria Central Police Station, according to the court proceedings reported by SABC News.
Charlotte Tibana and Nonyane, who were arrested in August, previously had their bail applications refused. They are challenging that decision in the High Court.
The matter has been postponed to 6 November 2026 for further investigations.
The allegations remain before the courts, and none of the accused has been convicted in connection with the alleged R11 million scheme.
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