Kgothatso Sekgaolelo
Three additional accused — Rirhandzu Tibana (30), Jabulani Nephtal Maluleke (43), and Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd — appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court and were joined as co-accused with Charlotte Tibana and Peter Nonyane, also known as “Gagashe”.
The accused face charges of money laundering, fraud and theft, bringing the total number of charges in the matter to 101.
The State alleges that Charlotte Tibana, who owns several properties, registered some of them in the name of her sibling, Rirhandzu Tibana, the third accused, in an attempt to conceal ownership.
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It is further alleged that Charlotte Tibana transferred funds into the business account of Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise.
The charges relate to the administration of 15 deceased estates, for which Charlotte Tibana was allegedly appointed executor.
The State alleges that Tibana continued committing fraud in 2024 despite being aware that she was under investigation, with some of the alleged offences taking place as recently as July 2026.
All five accused were arrested between 14 August and 27 September 2026 following an investigation into the alleged unlawful withdrawal and laundering of funds from deceased estates.
According to the State, the accused unlawfully concealed the movement of about R11 million withdrawn from estate accounts belonging to several deceased people.
The State further alleges that about R1.65 million was used to purchase a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 from a dealership in Pretoria.
It is also alleged that Nonyane used some of the money to contribute to a stokvel intended to fund the construction of residential property.
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In a separate estate valued at R4,254,762.04, the State alleges that R1.47 million was paid to the children of the deceased, while the remaining funds were used improperly.
It is further alleged that Tibana and the fourth accused, Maluleke, used Maluleke’s business account to launder money.
The matter was postponed to 2 October 2026 for the accused’s bail applications.
All five will remain in custody.
