The family of late chief Hlengani Maswanganyi has accused attorney Charlotte Tibana of failing to account for millions of rand from a deceased estate.

The Maswanganyi royal family in Giyani, Limpopo, says Tibana handled the distribution of the chief’s estate but that a large portion of the money remains unexplained.

Tibana, 33, and her husband, Tshwane metro police officer Peter “Greater Gagash” Nonyane, appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of money laundering and theft linked to allegations involving two deceased estates.

Family questions missing millions

Family spokesperson Thembani Maswanganyi said an attorney approached the family in August 2023 offering to help speed up the distribution of the estate.

The matter was later referred to Tibana, who obtained executorship in January 2024.

According to Maswanganyi, the estate available for distribution was worth R4.6 million. However, the family ultimately received R1.47 million, which was divided equally among the deceased’s children.

Maswanganyi said there was no clarity about what happened to the remaining money.

He added that the chief had five wives and 10 children and died without a will, creating disagreements over how the estate should be divided.

Second estate also questioned

Maswanganyi also accused Tibana of attempting to mishandle his late mother Theresa Maswanganyi’s estate.

He said the estate was valued at R1.6 million and claimed he was listed as the only beneficiary despite having three siblings.

The family stopped the distribution and later filed a complaint with the Legal Practice Council regarding the handling of the chief’s estate.

Couple faces court proceedings

The couple appeared in court seeking bail.

Investigating officer Constable Khutjisho Thobejane also testified about a R1.7 million payment allegedly made by the couple to a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Pretoria.

He further told the court that several luxury vehicles allegedly linked to the couple were registered in the names of Tibana’s siblings.

The allegations against Tibana and Nonyane remain before the courts, and the bail hearing is continuing.