By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Dave Ndimande have abandoned their extradition fight to South Africa after months of legal resistance in Eswatini.
The brothers, who were arrested in early 2024 at a rented house in Mbabane, Eswatini, were previously granted leave by the Mbabane High Court to appeal the extradition decision following the Manzini Magistrate’s Court ruling in August 2024 that approved their extradition.
They are wanted in South Africa in connection with the double murder of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, who were shot dead in Durban in February 2023.
KwaZulu-Natal National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Kara confirmed the latest development of the appeal application.
“We confirm receipt of a Notice of Abandonment from the Eswatini authorities in respect of the Ndimandes. The Eswatini authorities will handle the matter further and communicate with the South African authorities accordingly.”
The case has been closely followed in Durban, where in November, last year, Magistrate Vincent Hlatswayo emphasised the need for the brothers to be tried together, if possible, but warned that further postponements would not be entertained.
He noted that the state is prepared to proceed with the case even if one or both accused are unavailable.
“It would be in the interest of justice and convenience that the accused who allegedly committed an offence together be tried together, but if that is not possible, hard luck,” Hlatswayo said during a previous hearing.
They will now appear in the Durban High Court dock alongside Eddie Myeza, Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi, Lindani Ndimande, and Muziwethemba Gwabeni, the primary suspect in the hit.