By Bhekizenzo Zonele
More than three years after the fatal shooting of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend, celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, the long-awaited murder trial has begun in the Durban High Court.
Seven accused men are facing 11 charges linked to the alleged killings of AKA and Tibz, who were shot outside a Durban restaurant in February 2023.
For AKA’s father, Tony Forbes, the start of the trial marks an important step in a painful journey that has lasted years.
“Life has gotta move on at some point, but I’d like to think whoever was responsible or is responsible that they gonna be held accountable.”
The trial is expected to run for about 30 days, although proceedings could take longer as the State presents its evidence.
The seven accused face charges including conspiracy to commit murder, the murder of AKA, the murder of Tibz, five counts of attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The firearm-related charges centre on a 9mm Star semi-automatic pistol allegedly found with its serial numbers removed or altered, as well as about 30 rounds of ammunition allegedly possessed without the required licence or permit.
The State has indicated that the firearm-related offences carry substantial minimum sentences, while the murder and attempted murder charges could result in life imprisonment if the accused are convicted.
The seven accused are Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, brothers Malusi Dave Ndimande and Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Lindokuhle “Lindo” Ndimande, Siyabonga Gezani, Siyanda Eddie Myeza and Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni.
The Ndimande brothers were extradited from Eswatini to face the charges in South Africa. The State has linked the accused to different alleged roles in the planning and execution of the killings.
The case has become more complicated because Myeza faces additional charges arising from another alleged shooting.
Those charges include the alleged murders of Sibongiseni Gift Khanyile and Nhlakanipho Msani, two counts of attempted murder, theft of a motor vehicle and conspiracy to commit murder.
Myeza and the other accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and elected to remain silent.
Six of the seven accused are seeking to have their matters separated from Myeza’s because of the additional charges he faces.
Prosecutor Elvis Gcweka told the court that the State could proceed with the pleas before the separation application was considered.
The court ordered that the accused remain in custody and return at 9.30am on Tuesday.
For the families, the trial represents the beginning of another difficult chapter, but one they hope will finally provide answers about who was responsible for the deaths of AKA and Tibz.
INSIDE POLITICS
