By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The trial date in the case of seven men accused in the murders of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend, Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane has been moved to October 2026.
The matter was back in the Durban High Court for a pre-trial conference on Thursday.
Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande, Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande, and Malusi Dave Ndimande appeared for the first time as a group in the Durban High Court.
Forbes and Motsoane were shot and killed on Durban’s Florida Road in February 2023.
The prosecution had set down 20 July 2026 for trial proceedings, and prepared to call out witnesses.
The state said, it has at least 45 witnesses to be called to the stand to testify.
Senior State prosecutor Advocate Lawrence Gcaba said, “My lady, you said parties must be ready; the State is ready. However, my lady, the issue as it appears defence are not ready for the trial.”
The presiding Judge Thoba Portia Poyo-Dlwati demanded a clear explanation why she should grant a request to delay the trial.
She was told that the lawyers have to travel over two hours to consult their clients, as the accused are kept at the high-maximum-security prison in Kokstad.
The defence lawyer, Advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, said they have not been able to properly consult.
“The consultation is only allowed for 30 minutes, and in terms of in-convince, the number of trips one had to make, it became apparent that it will not be possible to do the consultation in recognition of the fact that the docket is quite voluminous, my lady.”
Judge Poyo-Dlwati adjourned to August 13 for the respective legal teams to meet; however, the trial will go ahead from October 5 t0 November 8, 2026.