The courtroom was the focal point of heightened attention as five of the seven suspects linked to the tragic murders of Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and his close associate, Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, were presented before the Durban Magistrate’s Court, on Thursday.
AKA murder suspects appear before Durban Magistrate’s Court
Following a prolonged delay, the Durban Magistrate’s Court commenced with a packed gallery of journalists and interested witnesses eager to bear witness to the unmasking of the men responsible for the deaths of two of South Africa’s most prominent figures in entertainment.
One of the crucial aspects of the day’s proceedings came when state prosecutors implored the court to compel the suspects to remove the scarfs and hoodies covering their faces.
Despite the defence’s apprehension, claiming the suspects were still part of an ongoing and sensitive investigation, the court ruled in the state’s favour and for the first time, the public bore witness to the identities of the men allegedly responsible for pulling off the assassination of AKA and Tibz.
At this time, the suspects unveiled at the Durban court have not yet been assigned their alleged roles in the planned hit.
Their names are (in order of left-right as they appear in the article’s feature image):
- Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi, 30
- Lindelani Ndimande, 35
- Siyanda Myeza, 21
- Mziwethemba Gwabeni, 36
- Lindokuhle Ndimande, 29
We know from revelations made by KZN top cop Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi earlier this week that there was a mastermind, two shooters and two spotters, as well as other roleplayers who contributed to the double murder.
The charge sheet registered in court on Thursday confirmed the suspects are facing conspiracy to commit murder and two counts of murder, alongside various firearm-related accusations.
The matter has since been postponed to Wednesday, 6 March 2024 for bail verification.
Thereafter, the suspects will be back in court on 14, 18, 19 and 27 March 2024.
Accused 1, 4 and 5 will be kept at Chatsworth police station, Accused 2 and 3, who are serving sentences for unrelated crimes, will be held at Westville Prison.
Accused 4 complained he was not treated well at Chatsworth police station but the court dismissed the claim as a matter he must take up with the relevant precinct commander.
Two more suspects are yet to appear in court, as KZN police along with state prosecutors and Home Affairs officials finalise their extradition from Eswatini.