From corruption and state capture to violent crimes and prison breaks, several high-profile cases move closer to trial or, in some instances, judgment in 2026. Justice in the new year will kick off with the appearance of brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, identified by police as key figures in the shooting of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes. They are expected to return to court on January 9 after being extradited from Eswatini in November.
Their co-accused, Thabani Mkhwanazi, 30; Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, 35; Siyanda Eddie Myeza, 21; Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, 36; and Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Ndimande, 29, are remanded in custody until June 19 for further pretrial matters. In Limpopo, the long-running Phala Phala farm theft case, involving the alleged burglary of about R167m at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s game farm, is expected to resume at the Modimolle regional court. Immanuela David and siblings Floriana and Ndilinasho Joseph are charged with housebreaking, theft and money laundering.
This follows the case postponement in 2025 to secure the services of a Namibian interpreter and the return of an accused who had reportedly been sick during the last appearance. The murder trial in the case of soccer star Senzo Meyiwa, one plagued by controversy and legal disputes, will continue in the Pretoria high court from January 19. Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, Bongani Sandiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Maphisa and Fisokuhle Nkani Ntuli are standing trial for the footballer’s murder in Vosloorus in October 2014.
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All have pleaded not guilty. In 2025, the state closed its case after tendering evidence linking the suspects to the crime scene through cellphone data and witness statements. Ballistic evidence also connected the murder weapon to the gunman.
The defence is currently leading its witnesses. Former Free State premier Ace Magashule is expected back in the Bloemfontein high court on January 26. He is accused of benefiting from a multimillion-rand asbestos tender, with the court having heard that he allegedly received R10m after businessman Edwin Sodi’s company was paid R230m.
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