By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The murder case of South African rapper Kiernan “AKA” and his friend Chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane has been postponed to 12 June 2025 for pre-trial.
Forbes and Motsoane were killed on Durban’s popular Florida Road on 10 February 2023.
The five accused, Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande, made a brief appearance in court.
They face 11 charges, ranging from murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The matter was adjourned for 12 June because some lawyers representing both suspects in South Africa and Eswatini were in the Supreme Court of Appeal in Eswatini for the appeal of Malusi and Siyabonga Ndimande’s extradition to SA.
South Africa was granted extradition in terms of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) protocol.
State prosecutor Lawrence Gcaba told the court that Advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, will now be the one representing all five men accused of killing both AKA and Tibz.
Gcaba said they agreed that this matter be postponed to June 12 for a pre-trial conference, while Mlotshwa goes to eSwatini for the extradition appeal of the two other accused on this matter.
Presiding officer Judge Jacqueline Henriques postponed the matter to June 12.
Previously, Mlotshwa represented Mkhwanazi and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande, while Myeza was represented by attorney Yolanda Gielink; Gwabeni and Lindani were represented by advocate Joe Wolmarans.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Natasha Ramkisson Kara says the pre-trial conference will continue next month.
“So by agreement, as mentioned by the prosecutor in court today [Thursday], the matter has been adjourned for the 12th of June 2025 for a pre-trial conference.”
According to indictment, the State believes that the accused were monitoring AKA’s movements from time to time since his arrival at the King Shaka International airport.