Who Is Peter Nonyane ‘Lamasweet’? TMPD Official in Court Over R1.75m Fraud Case
Quick answer: Peter Nonyane, a 36-year-old Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) official known by the nickname “Lamasweet,” appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 17 August 2026, facing fraud and money laundering charges. He was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) unit in Polokwane on Friday, 14 August 2026, following a warrant of arrest, in connection with the alleged unlawful transfer of roughly R1.75 million from a deceased estate’s bank account.
Who Is Peter Nonyane?
Peter Nonyane is a 36-year-old official employed by the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) in Pretoria. He is known in connection with this case by the nickname “Lamasweet.” Beyond his role at TMPD and his involvement in this investigation, no further public biographical details have been released by authorities at this stage.
What Is Peter Nonyane Accused Of?
According to the Hawks, Nonyane is alleged to have been involved in the unlawful withdrawal of approximately R1,750,000 from the bank account of a deceased estate. Investigators say a significant portion of those funds was used to purchase a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz AMG G63, valued at around R1,650,000, from a dealership in Pretoria.
The Hawks allege the funds were transferred and used in a way that prejudiced the deceased estate and its lawful beneficiaries — meaning the money that should have gone to the rightful heirs was instead allegedly diverted for personal use.
Timeline of the Case
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| — | Alleged unlawful withdrawal of ~R1.75m from a deceased estate account |
| — | Alleged purchase of a Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 (~R1.65m) using estate funds |
| Friday, 14 August 2026 | Peter Nonyane arrested in Pretoria following a warrant of arrest |
| Monday, 17 August 2026 | Nonyane appears in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court |
| Ongoing | A second suspect, allegedly responsible for authorising and effecting the fund transfer, remains at large |
Who Investigated the Case?
The case was investigated by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) unit in Polokwane, working with support from other specialised units within the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.
Is There a Second Suspect?
Yes. According to the Hawks, a second suspect — alleged to have authorised and carried out the transfer of funds from the estate account — has not yet been arrested and remains at large. The Hawks say this individual is being actively traced as the investigation continues.
What Happens Next?
Nonyane appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on 17 August 2026. As with most cases at this early stage, further court appearances are expected as the matter proceeds through the judicial process. This article will be updated as new information becomes available, including the outcome of the case and any developments regarding the outstanding second suspect.
Important note: At this stage, these are allegations forming part of an active investigation. Under South African law, anyone charged with a criminal offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Peter Nonyane ‘Lamasweet’? Peter Nonyane is a 36-year-old Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) official, known by the nickname “Lamasweet,” who appeared in court on 17 August 2026 on fraud and money laundering charges related to an alleged deceased-estate fraud.
When was Peter Nonyane arrested? He was arrested in Pretoria on Friday, 14 August 2026, by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit, following a warrant of arrest.
How much money was allegedly stolen in the Peter Nonyane case? The Hawks allege approximately R1,750,000 was unlawfully withdrawn from a deceased estate’s bank account.
What did the Hawks say the money was used for? Investigators allege a significant portion of the funds — around R1,650,000 — was used to buy a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 from a Pretoria dealership.
Is there a second suspect in the case? Yes. The Hawks say a second suspect, allegedly involved in authorising and processing the fund transfer, remains at large and is being actively traced.
Which unit is handling the investigation? The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) unit in Polokwane, with support from other specialised units.
Article by Urban Street Culture (urbanstreetculture.co.za), based on information released by the Hawks (DPCI). This is a developing story — allegations described here form part of an active criminal investigation and have not been tested in court. This page will be updated as further details emerge.
