Murder trial of rapper AKA and friend Tibz set for 2026
AKA, who was known for his audacious commentary and unwavering stance on social issues, has once again become a focal point of digital conversation following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent visit to the White House.
Image: Instagram/akaworldwide
ITS all systems go for the murder trial of rapper Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes and his friend Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane, who were gunned down outside a Durban restaurant in February 2023.
Both the State and the legal teams for the defence assured Judge President of KwaZulu-Natal, Thoba Poyo-Dlwathi at a pre-trial conference at the Durban High Court yesterday that their respective schedules were clear for the planned 3-month sitting of the matter in 2026.
Forbes and Motsoane's killings occurred outside the Wish restaurant on Florida Road and sparked widespread outrage and mourning across the nation.
A total of five men — Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi, Lindani Ndimande, Siyanda Myeza, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande — have been charged with their murders.
The accused in the AKA murder trial: (from left) Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi, Lindani Ndimande, Siyanda Myeza, Mziwethemba Gwabeni and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande.
Image: Nomonde Zondi
During yesterday's proceedings, Judge Poyo-Dlwathi underscored the importance of the case due to its high-profile nature and complexity.
She delivered a compelling directive to the lawyers on both sides, and emphasised the necessity for their full availability during the proceedings scheduled for next year.
“Some of my colleagues are retiring, and when there are part-heard matters they are dealing with, they have to come back for them,” she remarked, highlighting the potential complications that could arise from continued delays.
She urged both parties to ensure that if they cannot be present for any portion of the trial, a representative must step in to maintain the court's efficiency.
It also emerged that former KwaZulu-Natal Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, would represent only the first accused, Mkhwanazi, and the fifth accused, Lindokuhle Ndimande.
Advocates Paul Jorgensen and Mkhululi Nkomo will represent Lindani Ndimande and Siyanda Myeza respectively.
The State will be making its case under the leadership of Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Lawrence Gcaba, who requested that the proceedings be adjourned until July 24, 2025, allowing more time for necessary preparations and case discussions.
At the conclusion of the conference, Gcaba made it clear that despite progress on representation issues, the State was not yet prepared to proceed with the case. He confirmed that several unresolved matters remained which required attention from both sides.
Outside the courtroom, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara provided updates regarding the extradition appeals of the Ndimande brothers, Siyabonga Gezane and Malusi Dave, currently under consideration in eSwatini.
Both were implicated in the murders of Forbes and Motsoane as well.
“The respondents will have to file their heads of argument, then the State would do likewise. Following that, the matter will be set down for a hearing in the eSwatini High Court,” she explained, further complicating the intricate legal landscape surrounding the case.
DAILY NEWS