AKA-Tibz murder: Judge unhappy with delay amid legal action threat over accused’s detention

State prosecutor Lawrence Gcaba at Durban Magistrate’s Court on 11 November 20245 Picture: Gallo Images/Darren Stewart Trial proceedings in the high-profile murder case of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and businessman Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane have been pushed back, with the court granting additional time for both the state and defence to address outstanding pre-trial matters. The case, which is being heard in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) High Court in Durban, saw all seven accused appear together for the first time on Thursday, 11 June. The group includes Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi (accused one), Lindani Zenzele Ndimane (accused two), Siyanda Eddie Myeza (accused three), Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni (accused four), Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Mkhwanazi (accused five), Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande (accused six), and Malusi Dave Ndimande (accused seven).

The appearance follows the recentinclusion of Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, whose matter was transferred from the Durban Magistrate’s Court. The brothers were extradited from eSwatini in November 2025 after a lengthylegal battle. While the trial was initially scheduled to run from 20 July to 21 August 2026, with an additional session set for 6 October, the defence indicated it would not be ready to proceed as planned.

State prosecutor Lawrence Gcaba informed the court that there were outstanding issues regarding document disclosure, despite the indictment having already been handed over. “It appears that some of my colleagues are not ready for the July session. The matter, then, we request it to be adjourned to the 10th of September,” Gcaba said.

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The defence suggested that a later start would be more feasible. Advocate Simphiwe Cyril Mlotshwa told the court that his ability to prepare has been severely limited by restrictions at eBongweni Correctional Centre in Kokstad, where three of his clients – including Malusi Ndimande and Siyabonga Ndimande – are being held. “My instructing attorneys inform me that, according to eBongweni,consultationis only allowed for 30 minutes.

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