By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The murder case of five men accused of killing rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane has been postponed.
Forbes and Motsoane were shot and killed outside a restaurant in Durban in 2023.
Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Ndimande, Siyanda Myeza, Mziwethemba Gwabeni and Lindokuhle Ndimande made a brief appearance in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
The five men are charged with conspiracy to commit murder, murder, five counts of attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and money laundering.
During proceedings, state prosecutor Lawrence Gcaba informed the court that more suspects could be added to the charge sheet and requested a lengthy postponement in the case to finalise investigations.
Gcaba noted that new information has come to light relating to the authorities’ financial investigations since the accused’s last appearance.
Additionally, the prosecutor mentioned that the state was awaiting a decision on the extradition case involving the Ndimande brothers, who were arrested in Eswatini.
“It is for that reason that we request that this matter be adjourned to 29 November, and for all accused to remain in custody until such time.
“As I have indicated your worship, my colleagues do not have an objection to this postponement,” Gcaba said.
Judge Vincent Hlatshwayo granted the postponement.
“By agreement between your attorneys and the state, this matter is adjourned until 29 November 2024 to finalise outstanding investigations.
“It has been placed on record by the prosecution counsel to cover, among other things but not limited to, financial investigations, possible addition of the outstanding accused and other relevant investigations that need to be finalised.
“This matter is postponed to this date; it is a final remand for purposes of wrapping up investigations,” Hlatshwayo said.
The five men are set to remain in custody at Durban’s Westville Correctional Centre.
Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande were arrested in Mbabane, Eswatini early this year and have been in police custody since.
The accused will learn their fate on whether they will be extradited on 16 August after judgment in the case was postponed by the Manzini District Court.