Sister and businessman added to R11m deceased estates theft case

Three additional people have been formally joined as co-accused in a case that alleges about R11 million was unlawfully withdrawn and laundered from the accounts of deceased estates.

Who has been added

On Monday the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court heard the brief appearance of Rirhlweni Tibana, 30; Jabulani Nephtal Maluleke, 43; and Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd, who were formally joined to the charges already facing Charlotte Tibana and Peter “Gagash” Nonyane.

Allegations and scope of the case

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says the matter concerns 101 charges of alleged fraud, theft and money laundering linked to the administration of deceased estates. The charges relate to the administration of 15 deceased estates for which Charlotte Tibana had been appointed as executor.

The State’s case is that the accused allegedly concealed or disguised the nature, source, location, disposition and movement of approximately R11 million withdrawn from estate accounts belonging to various deceased people.

Properties and business accounts named in the case

NPA regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi said Charlotte Tibana owns several properties and that the State alleges some were registered in the name of her younger sibling, Rirhlweni Tibana, allegedly to conceal proceeds. The State further alleges that funds were transferred into the business account of Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise.

Specific alleged uses of funds

The NPA alleges that about R1.65 million of the proceeds was used to purchase a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 from a Pretoria dealership. It is also alleged that part of the proceeds was used to make stokvel contributions and to build a residential property.

In a separate estate matter valued at over R4 million, the State alleges only R1.47 million was paid to the deceased’s children while the remaining funds were unlawfully misappropriated.

Investigations, arrests and court process

The accused were arrested between 14 August and 27 September 2026 following an extensive investigation into the alleged unlawful withdrawals and laundering. The State says Charlotte Tibana was aware as early as 2024 that she was under investigation but allegedly continued to commit further offences, some as recently as July 2026.

The matter was postponed to 2 October 2026 for a bail application. The State said one of the accused, Peter “Gagash” Nonyane, was denied bail and is in the process of appealing the ruling in the high court. All accused remain in custody.

What the State says next

Prosecutors say they will proceed with the bail hearing on the next court date. The charges include allegations of theft, fraud and money laundering linked to the administration of deceased estates and to the alleged concealment of proceeds through property transfers and business accounts.