‘Gagash’ case: 3 more accused in R11m estate fraud
Five accused now face 101 charges linked to 15 deceased estates in the Gagash fraud case. All remain in custody ahead of a bail application on October 2.
POLOKWANE – Peter ‘Gagash’ Nonyane and Charlotte Tibana have three new co-accused in the alleged R11m deceased estate fraud and money laundering case, after Rirhandzu Tibana (30), Jabulani Nephtal Maluleke (43) and Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd were added to the matter.
The three appeared briefly in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court and were joined as co-accused. The five accused together face 101 charges, including fraud, theft and money laundering, according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Where the money allegedly went
The State alleges Nonyane used part of the money withdrawn from the estate accounts to make stokvel contributions and to build a residential property.
Alleged offending during investigation
The charges relate to the administration of 15 deceased estates for which Charlotte Tibana was appointed executor.
The State alleges she knew as early as 2024 that she was under investigation, yet continued to commit further offences, some as recently as July.
Properties and business account
According to the State, Charlotte Tibana owns several properties and registered some of them in the name of her younger sibling, Rirhandzu Tibana, to conceal the proceeds of alleged criminal activity. She is also alleged to have transferred money into the business account of Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise.
Concealment of proceeds
The State alleges the accused unlawfully concealed or disguised the nature, source, location, disposition and movement of about R11m withdrawn from the estate accounts of various deceased people.
About R1.65m of the proceeds was allegedly used to buy a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 from a dealership in Pretoria.
Separate estate under scrutiny
In a separate estate valued at about R4.24m, the State alleges only R1.47m was paid to the deceased’s children, and the balance was unlawfully misappropriated.
It is alleged that Charlotte Tibana and the fourth accused used the fourth accused’s business account to launder the proceeds.
Arrests and next court date
All the accused were arrested between August 14 and September 27, following an extensive investigation into the alleged unlawful withdrawal and laundering of money from deceased estates.
The matter was postponed to October 2 for a bail application. All the accused remain in custody.
