The highly anticipated AKA murder trial, is set to resume at the Durban High Court on May 8. Several patrons who narrowly escaped death during the tragic incident have been lined up as key witnesses by the state.
On Friday, five suspects accused of orchestrating and executing the assassination plot appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court. The accused, identified as Muziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni (36), Lindokuhle Ndimande (29), Siyanda Eddie Myeza (21), Lindani Zenzele Ndiamande (35), and Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi (30), were served with an indictment detailing the charges they face. The case has now been transferred to the Durban High Court for further proceedings.
An Ambush That Shook Durban’s Entertainment District
The tragic event unfolded on Durban’s popular Florida Road, known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. AKA was ambushed outside the now-closed Wish Restaurant, where he was shot execution-style in the back of the head. The rapper died instantly.
ALSO READ: Background Actors On ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ Stop Working Due To Unpaid Salaries
His close friend, renowned chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, was also caught in the crossfire. According to authorities, Motsoane was not an intended target but rather a victim of unfortunate circumstances. Police have confirmed that AKA was the primary target of the carefully orchestrated hit.
Details from the Indictment
The indictment reads,
“Between January and February 2023, in or near Durban, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, the accused unlawfully and intentionally conspired to commit murder, with the sole purpose of killing Kiernan Jarryd Forbes.”
The state’s case relies heavily on a range of evidence meticulously gathered by the South African Police Service (SAPS). This includes ballistics reports, CCTV footage from King Shaka International Airport, toll plaza surveillance, and security recordings from the Hilton Hotel, where AKA and his team were staying before the incident.
Investigators allege that Muziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni played a leading role in planning the assassination. The state claims that Gwabeni monitored Forbes’ arrival at the airport and followed him to his hotel in uMhlanga, keeping close tabs on his movements. Cellphone records reportedly show Gwabeni making multiple calls to his co-accused, providing real-time updates on Forbes’ whereabouts.
ALSO READ: Three Durban Pupils Stabbed In Alleged Racial Fight At Centenary Secondary School
Charges Faced by the Accused
The five suspects face serious charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of murder, and five counts of attempted murder. The attempted murder charges relate to the patrons who were present at Wish Restaurant during the attack and narrowly escaped with their lives.
Meanwhile, the extradition of two other suspects, siblings Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Ndimande, remains uncertain. Both are currently in eSwatini, where they are opposing extradition to South Africa. Their involvement in the case is still under investigation, and it is unclear when or if they will stand trial alongside the other accused.