POLOKWANE – The State says it has a strong case against Rirhandzu Tibana (30), the younger sister of suspended Polokwane estate lawyer Charlotte Tibana, and Jabulani Maluleke (43) in the alleged R11m deceased estates fraud and money laundering case, but it will not oppose bail.

State will not oppose bail

The two appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Friday, October 2, for their bail application. The State said it was not opposing bail because there were no grounds to believe they would evade trial or interfere with investigations.

Charlotte and her husband, Peter Nonyane, were arrested in August in connection with the alleged fraud and money laundering. Rirhandzu, Jabulani and Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd were later added as co-accused, and the five accused face 101 charges.

Police outline alleged money trail

Investigating officer Constable Khutjisho Thobejane said the matter is regarded as organised crime and is built on transactions linked to vehicles and money allegedly taken from deceased estates.

He said a Ford Raptor worth about R600 000 is among the assets under investigation, although Rirhandzu allegedly did not collect it.

Thobejane said Jabulani allegedly received substantial amounts from estate accounts and transferred them to accounts linked to other accused. Some transactions were for about R2m, while others of R500 000 were made several times in a single day.

State details accused’s cooperation

He said Rirhandzu is not a flight risk, has no previous convictions and has a verified address. She cooperated after her lawyer, Hlawu Maluleke, contacted police about her handing herself over.

Thobejane said Jabulani contacted him to give a statement after seeing Charlotte and Nonyane appear in court.

Lawyers challenge proposed bail amount

The State proposes bail of R100 000 each, with conditions that they report weekly at Polokwane Police Station and inform police of trips outside Limpopo.

Hlawu Maluleke said R100 000 was excessive for his client, who is unemployed, and proposed R5 000. Jabulani’s lawyer said his client had cooperated and would not interfere with witnesses.

Bail judgment expected next week

Judgment on the bail application is expected on Thursday, October 8.