POLOKWANE – A Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) officer, Peter Nonyane (36), and his partner, Charlotte Tibana (33), an attorney, are remanded in custody following their arrest over alleged fraud involving about R1.75 million in a deceased estate. They briefly appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court yesterday with their matter postponed to Friday (21 August) for a bail application and further investigation.

Captain Wendy Nkabi, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks in Limpopo, said their arrests were in terms of J50 warrants based on prima facie evidence. She said that Nonyane was arrested last Friday in Pretoria, while Tibana handed herself over to the authorities yesterday morning. The pair face charges of fraud, theft and money laundering involving R1.75 million from a deceased estate.

Nkabi said Nonyane was apprehended during a joint operation involving Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation from Polokwane, Pretoria K9 Unit, Briant S.O.R.T, Pretoria Flying Squad, Gauteng Water Wing, K9 Unit Command and Tracker SA. She said probing has uncovered that the pair allegedly colluded to siphon funds from the deceased’s estate for personal gains.

“It is alleged that on 28 October 2024, funds were unlawfully transferred from the trust account of a deceased estate into the FNB account of the Estate of the late Mr Masha. On the same day, payments totalling R1.65 million and R100,000 were allegedly made to a Standard Bank account linked to McCarthy Mercedes-Benz Wonderboom for the purchase of a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz AMG G63.

“Further investigation revealed that approximately R1.75 million was allegedly withdrawn unlawfully from the estate. It is alleged that portions of the funds were deposited into Nonyane’s bank account and subsequently laundered through the purchase of the motor vehicle, to the prejudice of the estate and its lawful beneficiaries,” said Nkabi. She said the matter was reported to the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Limpopo for investigation as fraud, theft and money laundering.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General Adv Gopz Govender, has applauded the investigating team’s diligence, determination and investigative skill, as well as the effective collaboration between the various law-enforcement units, which culminated in the successful arrests.

“The DPCI remains resolute in its mandate to investigate and bring perpetrators of fraud, corruption and other serious priority crimes before the courts, regardless of their position or affiliation. The Directorate will continue to protect the integrity of its investigations and the safety of its members while ensuring that justice is served,” he said.

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