By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The murder case of Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane has been postponed to March 4 at Durban Magistrate’s Court following the revelation that the Ndimande brothers have been moved to super maximum eBongweni Correctional Facility in Kokstad.
Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande appeared briefly before the Durban magistrate’s court on Friday.
The siblings face a raft of charges, including murder, attempted murder, malicious damage to property and reckless driving dating back to 2022.
Fullview learnt that they were transferred to the high-maximum security eBongweni prison in Kokstad at the behest of the state in the matter.
The prison is known for its high-tech and advanced security features and also houses highly dangerous inmates and convicted criminals.
Their five co-accused — Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande — have already been indicted to the Durban High Court.
All seven men are charged with the murders of Forbes and Motsoane, who were killed on February 10, 2023, on Florida Road in Durban.
During the proceedings, Advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, representing the brothers, informed the court that the defence discovered the transfer to Ebongweni Correctional Centre on January 2, 2025, when they attempted to consult with their clients.
“We are waiting for an email reply from Correctional Services to establish what has happened and see if they can relocate them back to Westville Prison so we can consult. We understand that there is a reply but it has not reached our hands, “he explained.
Mlotshwa requested a postponement of the matter to February 20 to allow for all processes to unfold, enabling an informed decision.
State prosecutor Advocate Elvis Gcweka confirmed that all seven accused have been moved to Ebongweni, however, he stated that they do not know why they were moved.
“At this stage, we don’t have the full information as to why the accused were moved. Which is why we sat down with the defence and we set a provisionally postponement date so that in between, we get to understand what transpired, “Gcweka explained.
Gcweka, who is prosecuting the matter with Advocate Lawrence Gcaba, the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, also requested postponements for other cases where Ndimande brothers face murder charges.
Presiding magistrate Irfaan Kalil adjourned the matter to March 4.
The matter is scheduled for June 19 for further pre-trial issues to be addressed. A presiding judge will also be appointed. The trial has been set down for July 20 to August 21, and another session will start on October 6.