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High court dismisses bail appeal of Tshwane officer and wife

Published

Judge Carrim Pillay dismissed the appeal of Peter "Gagash" Nonyane and Charlotte Tibana against a magistrate's refusal of bail. The couple stay in custody on more than 100 charges linked to about R11m allegedly stolen from 15 deceased estates.

Nonyane is a Tshwane metro police officer and Tibana is a lawyer. They face charges of fraud, theft and money-laundering. Polokwane magistrate Godfrey Netshiozwi refused them bail on 4 September. Judge Pillay found they had not shown that the magistrate used his discretion incorrectly.

The couple argued that they had known about the investigation since 2024 and had not fled the country. They said the magistrate did not weigh their personal circumstances, including minor children. They also said he did not explore house arrest and electronic monitoring.

Judge Pillay called the couple's belief that negotiation or repayment could resolve the matter misguided. He said replacing the money or reaching an agreement would not necessarily end the criminal allegations. The state alleges that money from the estates paid for personal assets.

Two co-accused, Rirandzu Tibana and Jabulani Maluleke, received bail of R60,000 each on 8 October. The case returns to the Polokwane magistrate's court on 6 November.

Key facts

Who
Peter Nonyane (Tshwane metro police officer, accused (known as 'Gagash')); Charlotte Tibana (lawyer, accused; wife of Peter Nonyane); Carrim Pillay (judge who dismissed the bail appeal); Godfrey Netshiozwi (Polokwane magistrate who dismissed the bail applications on September 4)
What
Judge Carrim Pillay confirmed the magistrate's decision to keep Peter "Gagash" Nonyane and Charlotte Tibana in custody, where they face more than 100 charges of alleged fraud, theft and money-laundering involving deceased estates. The judge found they had not shown the magistrate exercised his discretion incorrectly.
When
22 October 2026
Where
Tshwane, Polokwane
Status
Reported

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