By Lerato Mpembe
The murder case against five men accused of killing South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, widely known as AKA, and celebrity chef Tebello Motsoane, also known as Tibz, has been postponed to June 2025 in the Durban High Court. The suspects made a brief appearance in court on Thursday, marking their first time in the High Court since the case was certified trial-ready. The postponement came after two defence lawyers failed to attend due to other commitments, pushing the pre-trial conference to next year.
Background of the Case
Kiernan Forbes and Tebello Motsoane were tragically gunned down on Durban’s popular Florida Road on 10 February 2023. The shocking incident took place outside a restaurant, where the two friends were shot in a targeted attack. Forbes, a celebrated rapper, and Motsoane, a well-known chef, were killed in front of onlookers, sparking widespread grief and outrage across South Africa. The murders happened just as Forbes was preparing for a performance in Durban, adding to the tragedy of the event.
The investigation that followed revealed a carefully planned assassination. Authorities found that the suspects had tracked Forbes from his arrival at King Shaka International Airport earlier that day. A spotter allegedly followed him to his hotel and later to the restaurant, where the attack was carried out with precision. The case has gripped the nation for over two years due to its high-profile nature and the complexity of the legal process.
The Accused and Their Roles
While seven individuals have been linked to the murders, only five appeared in the Durban High Court on Thursday. The five accused—Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande—are facing serious charges. These include:
- Conspiracy to commit murder
- Two counts of murder
- Unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition
- Five counts of attempted murder
- Two counts of money laundering
The remaining two suspects, brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, were arrested in Eswatini earlier this year. They are currently awaiting extradition to South Africa to join the others in court. The state alleges that the group operated as part of a criminal network involved in contract killings, with Forbes as the primary target and Motsoane caught in the crossfire.
An explainer detailing the roles of all seven accused has shed light on their alleged involvement. Mkhwanazi is believed to be one of the gunmen who fired the fatal shots, while others acted as spotters and coordinators in the plot. The investigation has uncovered evidence of payments made to the suspects, pointing to a hired hit.
Court Proceedings
The case reached a milestone when it was certified trial-ready and moved to the Durban High Court. However, Thursday’s proceedings hit a snag when two defence lawyers were absent due to prior commitments. This forced the court to postpone the matter, delaying the start of what is expected to be a lengthy trial. The state has already served the accused with a detailed indictment, outlining the 12 charges they face.
The postponement has frustrated many who have followed the case closely. The legal process has been slow, partly due to the number of accused and the volume of evidence, including CCTV footage, cellphone records, and financial transactions.
Statement from the NPA
Natasha Ramkisson Kara, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in KwaZulu-Natal, addressed the delay. She said, “So by agreement, as mentioned by the prosecutor in court today [Thursday], the matter has been adjourned for the 12th of June 2025 for a pre-trial conference.” The NPA remains confident that the case is on track, with the pre-trial conference set to resume next year. During this conference, the court is expected to finalise arrangements for the full trial.
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