The case against five men accused of orchestrating the murders of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane has officially been declared trial-ready.
AKA and Tibz murder case is headed to trial, State confirms
During a court appearance at the Durban Magistrates’ Court, state prosecutors confirmed that investigations were complete and that indictments had been served.
The accused—Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande—are facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, five counts of attempted murder, and money laundering.
NPA spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara stated that the accused are set to appear in the Durban High Court on 8 May 2025, marking a significant step forward in the high-profile case.
Unpacking the State’s case
The State alleges that Gwabeni was the mastermind behind the killings, coordinating a well-planned execution that took place outside Wish Restaurant in Durban on 10 February 2024.
CCTV footage is expected to play a key role in the prosecution, with investigators stating that Gwabeni tracked AKA’s movements at King Shaka International Airport before the attack.
The prosecution also revealed that evidence linking the accused to the crime includes:
- Surveillance footage allegedly showing their movements leading up to the murders
- Phone records indicating communication between the suspects
- Eyewitness testimonies
Despite some delays in the case, the State insists it is ready to proceed even as two additional suspects remain in Eswatini, awaiting extradition hearings.
The accused, believed to be brothers, are expected to be formally added to the case once they are transferred to South African custody.
Meanwhile, Gwabeni and Ndimande’s bail applications were dismissed, with the court ruling that their release would pose a direct threat to witnesses.
Prosecutors argued that Gwabeni had previously intimidated individuals connected to the case, further justifying his continued detention.
With the matter now moving to the Durban High Court, the trial is set to be one of the most closely watched in recent years, as the State prepares to present its case against the accused.