LIMPOPO – A Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) officer and his attorney partner have appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court facing charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering linked to the alleged misappropriation of approximately R1.75 million from a deceased estate.
Peter Nonyane (36), a TMPD officer, and Charlotte Tibana (33), an attorney, appeared before the court on Monday, 17 August 2026. Nonyane was apprehended in Pretoria on Friday, 14 August 2026, by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks. The arrest was the result of a multi-unit joint operation involving the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Polokwane, the Pretoria K9 Unit, Briant S.O.R.T, the Pretoria Flying Squad, the Gauteng Water Wing, K9 Unit Command, and Tracker SA. Tibana voluntarily surrendered to authorities on the morning of the court appearance. Both arrests were executed in terms of J50 warrants.
Prosecutors allege that on 28 October 2024, funds were unlawfully transferred from the trust account of a deceased estate into the First National Bank (FNB) account of the Estate of the late Mr Masha. On the same day, payments totaling R1.65 million and R100,000 were reportedly directed to a Standard Bank account associated with McCarthy Mercedes-Benz Wonderboom. These funds were allegedly utilized to purchase a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz AMG G63.
Further investigation by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Limpopo indicates that approximately R1.75 million was unlawfully withdrawn from the estate. Authorities allege that portions of these funds were deposited into Nonyane’s personal bank account and subsequently laundered through the acquisition of the motor vehicle, causing direct financial prejudice to the estate and its lawful beneficiaries. The case was officially registered for investigation under charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering.
The matter has been postponed to Friday, 21 August 2026, to allow for a formal bail application and ongoing investigation. Both accused individuals remain in police custody.
In a related statement, a spokesperson for the Hawks issued a stern warning against the unauthorized use of the official Hawks logo and the reckless dissemination of unverified information on social media platforms. The spokesperson emphasized that the Hawks logo is an official symbol of the Directorate and must not be used by individuals or organizations in a manner that implies official endorsement or authorization of their statements or activities.
The DPCI highlighted that the circulation of unverified operational information poses a significant risk, as it can compromise active investigations and expose sensitive investigative methods. The public is strongly urged to verify information before sharing it and to rely exclusively on authorized DPCI communication channels for official updates regarding the Directorate’s activities.
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