By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services has confirmed that Minister Ronald Lamola has approved the extradition of two suspects linked to the murder of rapper Kienan “AKA” Forbes and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
The Department confirmed the development on Tuesday morning.
The brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande were arrested in Mbabane last month for the shooting and killing of AKA and Tibz.
Last week, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said efforts to extradite two men arrested in Eswatini in connection with the murders of Kiernan Forbes and Tebello Motsoane were underway.
The pair is facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder.
Justice spokesperson Chrispin Phiri says this sets the wheels in motions for the extradition of the Ndimande brothers.
“The request is made in terms of the Extradition Treaty between South Africa and Eswatini dated 4 October 1968, and in terms of the SADC Protocol on Extradition dated 3 October 2002, to which both countries are signatories.
“The Ministry stands ready to give its highest level of co-operation to its counterparts in the Kingdom of Eswatini.”
The case against the two brothers is back on the court roll at the Manzini Magistrates’ court tomorrow.
Meanwhile Tuesday marked day three of the bail hearing of five of the seven accused in the murder case.
The five face various charges including conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and five counts of attempted murder.
AKA and Motsoane were gunned down outside the now-defunct Wish on Florida restaurant in Durban on 10 February last year.