Slain rapper AKA’s murder suspects made their first appearance at the Durban Magistrates’ Court earlier this morning.
Justice At Last?
On 26 February 2023, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi revealed that six suspects had been arrested for the murder of AKA and his friend Tibz. Kiernan Forbes was shot dead together with his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane outside WISH Restaurant in Durban.
ALSO READ: AKA Murder Trial: One Suspect Was Identified After Swiping Card At Wish Restaurant
The men who shot AKA were arrested on 24 February following a raid in Eswatini. The process is now underway to extradite them to South Africa and face justice. Five suspects appeared in court today, and here is a summary of what happened.
Summary: Day 1 Of AKA’s Murder Suspects In Court
- In court today were Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, 30; Lindani Ndimande, 35; Siyanda Myeza, 21; Mziwethemba Gwabeni, 36; and Lindokuhle Ndimande, 29. Amongst them are the mastermind, the spotters and the drivers. The shooters, brothers Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande (28) and Malusi Dave Ndimande (29) are still in Eswatini.
- The suspects are facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, attempted murder and the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
- SAPS arrested the suspects on the following dates: 22 April 2023, 24 October 2023 and 14 December 2023. Two were nabbed on 24 February 2023 in Eswatini, while SAPS caught the seventh suspect on 28 February 2023.
- Police Minister Bheki Cele and KZN police commissioner Lt. General Mkhwanazi attended the initial court hearing.
- The suspects entered the court wearing face masks, and the Magistrate ordered them to take them off.
- Speaking to the media, Lt. General Mkhwanazi says the person who put the assassination team together and paid them is in the dock.
- Journalists also asked the KZN police commissioner for the person paying for the accused’s expensive lawyer. He responded that he didn’t know but stated that sometimes lawyers offer their services for free to be part of a prominent case.
- AKA’s father, Tony Forbes, arrived in court. He greeted Lt General Mkhwanazi first, then Minister Cele, even though Cele was the first in line. Earlier, the Minister revealed that he was on the same flight with AKA’s father.
- Speaking to the media after the court proceedings, Tony Forbes said his gut is telling him that the real mastermind of the murder has not been arrested. He also questioned the person paying the suspects’ lawyer.
- The Magistrate postponed the case to Wednesday, 6 March, for a bail application.
