Gagash’s Plea Deal Heads to NPA as Fifth Estate Fraud Suspect Arrested in R11M Case

The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Limpopo Regional Head of the Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit, Advocate Steven Mmbara, is scheduled to consider a plea deal for accused number one, Peter Nonyane, on Wednesday, November 25th, 2026.

The hearing will take place before the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court as Nonyane seeks bail in connection with a multi-million Rand fraud case involving deceased estates.

The case, which has expanded significantly, centers around allegations of fraud, theft, and money laundering linked to the unlawful movement of funds from fifteen deceased estates.

Initial investigations indicated approximately R1.75 million had been unlawfully withdrawn, later revealed to encompass a total loss of approximately R11 million.

The Hawks, the country’s serious crime investigation unit, have been instrumental in the investigation, culminating in the arrest of a fifth suspect, Gustavus Mokoana Moloto, on November 10th, 2026.

Moloto, an estate controller employed by the Office of the Master of the High Court, is believed to have been involved in facilitating the alleged fraudulent transactions.

The prosecution alleges that Nonyane, a prominent entertainment promoter known for his lavish lifestyle – including luxury vehicles and property investments – directed the flow of funds from the deceased estates.

According to the State, he referred clients and beneficiaries to his partner, Charlotte Tibana, as an attorney, receiving payments in return.

The investigation has uncovered a complex network of transactions involving estates such as the Masha Estate (R650,000), the Mathabatha Estate (R1.1 million), and the Moetji Estate (R1.38 million), among others.

The court proceedings have highlighted the scale of the alleged fraud, with investigators attempting to establish the precise nature of the relationship between Nonyane and Tibana and whether the payments constituted part of a larger corrupt scheme.

Two other co-accused, Rirhandzu Tibana and Jabulani Maluleke, have been released on R60,000 bail, subject to reporting conditions.

The case has drawn considerable attention due to Nonyane’s public profile, which includes extensive use of social media to showcase his wealth and lifestyle.

This has raised questions about the potential misuse of funds from the deceased estates.

The NPA’s initial investigation focused on the alleged use of the stolen funds to purchase a second-hand Mercedes-Benz AMG G63.

The matter was ultimately postponed to allow for further investigations and the formal presentation of a bail application.

It remains to be seen whether Nonyane will be granted bail and whether the plea deal will be accepted by the court.

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