TMPD officer and attorney wife denied bail as police uncover R6 million theft on deceased estates

A Polokwane Magistrates Court on Friday denied bail to Charlotte Tibana, an attorney, and Peter Nonyane, a TMPD officer, who are accused of stealing and laundering nearly R6 million from deceased estates. The pair faces 43 charges, including theft, fraud, and money laundering. NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi argued that the severity of the allegations, strength of the State's case, and ongoing investigation warranted continued detention of both accused.

Tibana allegedly interfered with the investigation by contacting witnesses and police officials to close the case, while prosecutors presented voice recordings allegedly sent by her to complainants. She is accused of owning multiple properties registered in her sibling's name to hide proceeds from criminal activities. Prosecutors alleged that Tibana, despite learning of her criminal investigation in 2024, continued committing offenses, with recent charges dating as late as July 2026.

Nonyane was arrested in Pretoria on August 14, 2026, while Tibana followed three days later after an extensive investigation. The State claimed the couple unlawfully withdrew and laundered R6 million from deceased estate bank accounts by disguising the source, movement, and ownership of the money. Prosecutors alleged that R1.65 million was used to purchase an AMG G63 Mercedes-Benz and finance the construction of a property.

In one case, prosecutors accused the pair of misappropriating R4.25 million, paying only R1.47 million to the deceased's children. The magistrate agreed with the State's arguments and denied bail to both Tibana and Nonyane, with the matter set for further investigation on November 6, 2026, with both accused remaining in custody.