Additional charges have been brought against Tshwane Metro Police officer Peter “Gagash” Nonyane and his lawyer wife Charlotte Tibane as they returned to the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court for their bail hearing on Wednesday. The TMPD fraud case now involves 13 charges, up from the five counts the couple initially faced. The original charges include fraud, theft and money laundering.
Nonyane faces two additional charges, while six more charges have been added against Tibane. The latest allegations relate to the estate of the late Makolobe Moetji, whose wife, Mokgadi Andricka Moetji, was identified as the sole heir.
The State alleges that the latest offences were committed earlier this year. Prosecutor Michael Molokwane told the court that the accused allegedly acted with common purpose and defrauded the estate of R1,380,901.
TMPD Fraud Case Involves R1.38 Million Estate Allegations
The TMPD fraud case includes allegations that R1,380,901 belonging to the Moetji estate was paid into Nonyane’s stokvel account. The State further alleges that the accused made false representations concerning money held in the estate’s bank account. The allegations form part of the additional charges brought against the couple.
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“The accused made false representations concerning money held in the estate bank account. They allegedly represented that the R501,000 would be paid to Mrs Moetji, despite not being authorised to transact on the account,” he said.
The latest allegations add to the charges already before the court. Nonyane and Tibane are expected to remain before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court as the State presents its case during the bail proceedings.
Fraud Charges Linked To Masha And Mathabatha Estates
The fraud charges against Nonyane and Tibane also include allegations involving other deceased estates. The State previously alleged that approximately R1.65 million was taken from the estate of the late Masha. A further R100,000 was allegedly misappropriated from the estate of the late Mathabatha.
The allegations involving the Masha estate include the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz G63 from a dealership in Wonderboom, Pretoria. The transaction reportedly attracted attention after the couple allegedly failed to produce the power of attorney required for the vehicle to be released.
The issue subsequently prompted further investigation into the transaction. The State’s allegations against the couple remain before the court.
Hawks Witness Set To Continue Testimony In Bail Hearing
The TMPD officer fraud case is expected to receive further attention when Hawks Commercial Crime Investigation Commander Daniel Makuwa continues giving evidence. Makuwa is the State’s second witness in the proceedings. He is expected to return to the witness stand on Thursday.
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The latest charges bring the total number of counts against Nonyane and Tibane to 13. Nonyane faces two of the newly added charges, while Tibane faces six additional counts.
The allegations have not been tested in court and the accused remain entitled to the presumption of innocence. The bail proceedings are continuing as the State presents further evidence.
