POLOKWANE – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed the court appearance of Charlotte Tibana (33), an attorney, and Peter Nonyane (36), a Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) official, in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on charges of theft, fraud, alternatively theft, and money laundering.

Nonyane was arrested in Pretoria on August 14, while Tibana was arrested in Polokwane on August 17. Their arrests follow investigations into the alleged unlawful withdrawal and laundering of funds belonging to two deceased estates.

R1.65m used to buy Mercedes-Benz AMG G63

The State alleges that the accused unlawfully concealed or disguised the nature, source, location, disposition, or movement of funds amounting to approximately R1.75 million, which were withdrawn from the bank accounts of two deceased estates.

According to the allegations, a substantial portion of the funds – approximately R1.65 million – was used to purchase a used Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 from a dealership in Pretoria. The State contends that the funds were transferred and utilised in a manner that prejudiced the estates and deprived the lawful beneficiaries of their inheritance.

Attorney acted as executor

The State further alleges that Tibana, acting in her capacity as executor for the two estates, authorised and facilitated the transfer of the funds from the estate accounts, leading to the alleged prejudice suffered by the beneficiaries.

Both accused appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in custody. The matter was postponed to August 21 for their bail application.

NPA commends investigation team

The NPA commends the investigating team and all law enforcement agencies involved for their coordinated efforts in bringing the accused before court. The case demonstrates the importance of collaboration in combating complex commercial crimes and protecting vulnerable victims of financial misconduct.

Commitment to financial crimes prosecution

The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting fraud, corruption, money laundering, and other financial crimes that undermine public trust and prejudice beneficiaries entitled to estate assets. The prosecution of such offences remains central to safeguarding the integrity of the administration of deceased estates and ensuring accountability for those who abuse positions of trust for personal gain.