Attorney Charlotte Tibana and her husband, Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) officer Peter “Gagash” Nonyane, have been denied bail in a case involving allegations of fraud, theft, money laundering and corruption linked to deceased estates.
Polokwane Magistrate Godfrey Netshiozwi handed down the bail decision on Friday, 4 September 2026, after the couple appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court. They have been in custody since their arrests in mid-August.
The couple faces a combined 43 charges. The State alleges that more than R4 million was misappropriated from several deceased estate accounts that were under Tibana’s control in her capacity as an estate attorney.
A growing list of charges
The charges against Tibana and Nonyane include:
- Fraud
- Theft
- Money laundering
- Corruption
The State’s case has expanded during the bail proceedings. Six additional money laundering charges were recently added against Nonyane, bringing the number of charges he faces to 41, according to the prosecution. The additional allegations concern transactions involving about R1.029 million that prosecutors say moved between accounts.
The allegations form part of a wider investigation into the handling of funds belonging to deceased estates. The State has alleged that money was diverted from estate accounts and subsequently moved through different bank accounts in a manner intended to conceal its origins, ownership or destination.
The case has attracted significant attention because of the contrasting professional positions held by the accused – Tibana is an attorney who dealt with estates, while Nonyane is a TMPD officer who is also known publicly as “Gagash”.
Alleged estate money trail
According to the State, the investigation involves several deceased estates and more than R4 million allegedly taken from estate accounts. Earlier proceedings heard allegations involving three estate accounts and more than R4 million between 2024 and 2026.
Investigators have also placed transactions involving luxury vehicles under scrutiny. During the bail proceedings, a Hawks investigating officer told the court about two luxury vehicles allegedly purchased in the name of Tibana’s younger sister. The State questioned how the vehicles were financed and alleged that Tibana may have been responsible for the instalments.
The State has opposed the couple’s release on bail, with investigators raising concerns about possible interference with the investigation and other factors relevant to their continued detention.
Couple remains in custody
The denial of bail means Tibana and Nonyane will remain behind bars as the criminal case proceeds.
The allegations against them have not been tested at trial, and they remain presumed innocent unless and until a court finds them guilty.
The matter has evolved considerably since the couple initially appeared in court on allegations involving about R1.75 million. As the investigation progressed, the charge sheet was expanded, with prosecutors now pursuing 43 charges involving alleged financial misconduct connected to deceased estates.
