AKA Murder Case Update: Five Accused Return to Court for Critical Pre‑Trial Hearing
The five accused in the AKA murder trial have returned to court for a pretrial hearing.
The high-profile murder case involving the fatal shooting of South African rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane continues as five suspects appear in Durban’s High Court today for crucial pretrial proceedings.
AKA Murder Case’s Five Accused Return To Court
The defendants – Thabani Mkhwanazi (30), Lindani Zenzele Ndimande (35), Siyanda Eddie Myeza (21), Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni (36), and Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Ndimande (29) – face multiple serious charges including premeditated murder, illegal firearm possession, and conspiracy to commit murder.
The group was apprehended in February 2024 in connection with the February 2023 double homicide outside Wish restaurant on Durban’s Florida Road.
During June’s court session, KwaZulu-Natal Judge President Thoba Poyo-Dlwati instructed both prosecution and defence teams to resolve outstanding issues. State prosecutor Lawrence Gcaba requested the current postponement to finalise pretrial preparations, citing previous delays caused by representation arrangements for the accused.
“We’ve encountered challenges completing pretrial formalities due to attorney assignment matters. The July date will allow proper case preparation,” Gcaba explained during the previous hearing.
Upcoming Trial Schedule
Judge Poyo-Dlwati indicated the trial would likely span three months, with proceedings expected to begin in 2026. The court emphasised the urgency of concluding the case, noting the impending retirements of some judicial staff members.
Defence attorney Simphiwe Mlotshwa, representing two defendants, received special accommodation for today’s hearing despite prior commitments in Newcastle. The judge mandated that all legal representatives ensure coverage is in place if they are unavailable for future dates.
Extradition Challenges
Meanwhile, two additional suspects, brothers Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Dave Ndimande, continue to fight extradition from Eswatini. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara confirmed that ongoing appeal proceedings are being held in the neighbouring kingdom’s courts.
“The extradition process follows standard legal protocols, with both parties submitting arguments before an Eswatini court hearing,” Ramkisson-Kara stated.
The case continues to draw significant public attention as one of South Africa’s most prominent celebrity murder investigations in recent years.
