By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane’s murder case has been moved to the Durban High Court for trial.
Forbes and Motsoane were shot dead in Durban’s Florida Road on February 10, 2023.
The accused Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi, Lindani Ndimane, Siyanda Myeza, Mziwethemba Gwabeni and Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Mkhawanazi briefly appeared in the Durban Magistrate Court.
State prosecutor Advocate Lawrence Gcaba told the court that the state was ready to go to trial in the Durban High Court.
Gcaba showed the court a hefty folder of documents that the state will be presenting into evidence in relation to the February 2023 murders on Florida Road in Durban.
According to the state’s case, the accused conspired to kill Forbes, who they tracked from King Shaka International Airport to the now-closed Wish restaurant where the murders took place when the All Eyes on Me rapper stood outside with his entourage and friends at around 22:00.
Magistrate Vincent Hlatshwayo confirmed that the case is ready to move to the Durban High Court for litigation.
Hlatshwayo ruled that the matter can be transferred to the High Court for May 8.
The five accused face 11 charges which include conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of murder, five counts of attempted murder, two for possession of a prohibited firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. The attempted murder charges are in relation to the victims who were in the vicinity at the time of the shooting and were filed under common purpose.
NPA KZN spokersperson Natasha Kara said a charge of money laundering has also been added.
“Today [Friday], the State served an indictment on the accused – through their Counsel – and the case was remanded to 08 May 2025 for the accused to make their first appearance in the Durban High Court.
“The indictment has recommended life imprisonment for the accused on the counts of murder and attempted murder.”
Meanwhile Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande – two more suspects in the murder case – are still fighting their extradition in eSwatini.