Five of the seven suspects accused of the murders of Kiernan ‘AKA‘ Forbes and Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane will return to court, on Wednesday.
Watch live: AKA murder suspects appear in Durban Magistrate’s Court
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The Durban magistrate’s court is bracing for a ruling in the bail application of five men charged with the murder of well-known rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and his friend Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane.
The five men stand accused of orchestrating the murders of AKA and Tibz, who were fatally shot outside Wish Restaurant on Florida Road, Durban, on 10 February 2023.
What evidence has the state presented?
The prosecution argues that the murder was a premeditated act, presenting evidence that AKA was followed from the moment he arrived in Durban.
A significant piece of evidence involves a transaction of R800,000 from Gcaba’s company, Bright Circle, to Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, one of the accused, executed less than 24 hours after the murders.
This payment is scrutinised for its timing and the lack of concrete proof of any legitimate business services rendered at the time of the transaction.
What is the defence’s argument?
The defence maintains that the state’s case is weak, contending that the R800,000 payment was for legitimate business purposes.
They dispute the timing and implications of the transaction, suggesting that the evidence does not directly link the accused to the crime committed against AKA and Tibz.
How does the phone call fit into the case?
A phone call made from Gwabeni to Gcaba before the transaction is highlighted by the prosecution as potential evidence of collusion between the suspects.
This call is pointed to as a possible coordination effort related to the crime, adding complexity to the defence’s claims of legitimate business dealings.
Are there any outstanding suspects?
Two additional suspects involved in the case are currently awaiting extradition from Eswatini, indicating that the investigation extends beyond South African borders and involves multiple jurisdictions.
