Bail granted in shocking estate fraud case!

Share current article via FacebookShare current article via PinterestShare current article via WhatsAppShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInNewsBail granted in shocking estate fraud case!By: Mankaleme Thema • 1h agomedia24Add as a preferred source on GoogleFollow on Google NewsListen to this article-00:00lead-art-block.fullscreen-enterExpandRirhandzu Tibana and Jabulani Maluleke walk out of Polokwane Magistrates Court after being granted R60 000 bail each in the R11 million estate fraud case. Photo by Mankaleme Thema (Mankaleme Thema) Court grants bail to LLB graduate and businessman as fraud case widensTWO new accused in the R11 million estate fraud scandal are out on bail.

Rirhandzu Tibana (30) and Jabulani Maluleke (41) were granted R60 000 bail each by the Polokwane Magistrates Court on Thursday, 8 October.

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Tibana is an LLB graduate and younger sister of attorney Charlotte Tibana.

Maluleke’s company, Risima Jeje Trading Enterprise, is accused number five in the case.

The two join Charlotte and her husband, Tshwane Metro Police officer Peter “Gagash” Nonyane, in the multimillion-rand case that has shocked Limpopo.

In court, Rirhandzu denied any wrongdoing while Maluleke had asked for R2 000 bail, saying he doesn’t know the state witnesses and won’t interfere with them.

Handing over judgment, Magistrate Mpho Hadebe said the court looked at their affidavits and the evidence from the investigating officer.

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“The court finds that there’s no likelihood they will interfere with witnesses or tamper with investigations. They are not flight risks and have no family or business outside South Africa,” Hadebe said.

He said they promised not to commit more crimes or endanger the public. The court also looked at the seriousness of the charges and what will happen if they break bail conditions.

“The court finds it in the interest of justice for them to be released on bail,” said Hadebe.

The five accused – Charlotte Tibana, Nonyane, Rirhandzu Tibana, Maluleke and Risima Jeje – face 123 charges of fraud, theft and money laundering.

The state said about R11 million was stolen and laundered from 15 dead people’s estates. Charlotte was the executor.

Rirhandzu allegedly got some of the money disguised as salary. Cops said some cash was used to buy a Ford Ranger Raptor in her name.

Maluleke allegedly laundered R4,3 million from the Mphahlele estate through his company account, leaving less than R800.

Charlotte and Nonyane were denied bail and remain behind bars, and the case is back in court on 6 November for further investigations.

South African multimedia journalist covering crime, courts, politics, health, education and community affairs. Holds institutions accountable while amplifying ordinary voices. Committed to ethical reporting that informs, educates and empowers communities across print, digital and broadcast.

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