AKA and Tibz Murder Trial Resumes as Firearm Evidence Takes Centre Stage

 

AKA and Tibz murder trial continues at the Durban High Court in October 2026
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AKA and Tibz Murder Trial Resumes as Firearm Evidence Takes Centre Stage

DURBAN, South Africa — 12 October 2026

The high-profile murder trial of South African rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and his close friend Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane resumes at the Durban High Court on Monday, with prosecutors expected to present further evidence concerning a firearm allegedly linked to the February 2023 killings.

Seven men are facing serious criminal charges in connection with the deaths of the two men, who were shot outside a restaurant on Durban's Florida Road on February 10, 2023.

The trial, which began on October 5, has already heard testimony from police officers involved in the recovery and handling of firearms that investigators believe could be connected to the case.

The accused have pleaded not guilty, and the allegations against them remain subject to examination by the court.

Firearm Evidence Becomes a Central Focus

One of the prosecution's main priorities is establishing the origin, recovery and alleged connection of a firearm to the killings.

During last week's proceedings, three police officers testified about investigations involving a weapon allegedly recovered during the arrest of accused Siyanda Eddie Myeza in Umlazi in April 2023.

According to evidence presented by the prosecution, the firearm was subsequently examined as part of investigations into the deaths of Forbes and Motsoane.

The State also alleges that ballistic evidence connects the weapon to a separate fatal shooting in Mayville, Durban, in May 2022.

That earlier incident involved the killing of taxi boss Gift Khanyile.

The alleged link between the two cases has become an important aspect of the prosecution's case, although the court has yet to determine the weight and reliability of the evidence.

Police Testimony Faces Defence Challenges

The defence has challenged aspects of the police account concerning how the firearm was recovered.

During cross-examination, questions were raised about the circumstances of a police operation at a property in Umlazi, including whether officers had obtained a search warrant.

Police testimony presented to the court described an urgent operation in which officers believed a suspect was carrying a firearm.

Myeza has disputed the State's account of where the weapon was found.

The defence has also questioned elements of the collection and handling of evidence, including firearms and mobile phones recovered during the investigation.

These disputes form part of the court's examination of whether the prosecution can establish a reliable evidentiary connection between the accused, the weapons and the killings.

The defence's challenges are not findings of police misconduct, and the prosecution's allegations are not proof of guilt.

Court Orders Separate Trial for Additional Charges

Another important development occurred when the Durban High Court granted an application to separate certain charges against Siyanda Eddie Myeza from the main proceedings.

Myeza faces additional allegations relating to the May 2022 killing of Gift Khanyile and other alleged offences.

The prosecution had previously sought to consolidate the matters because of the alleged connection between the firearms evidence in the two cases.

However, other accused argued that including the separate 2022 case could cause unnecessary delays.

The court ordered that Myeza's additional charges, numbered 12 to 17, be dealt with in separate proceedings.

The decision does not remove Myeza from the main AKA and Tibz murder trial.

Seven Men Facing Serious Charges

The National Prosecuting Authority has identified the seven accused as:

  • Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi

  • Lindani Zenzele Ndimande

  • Siyanda Eddie Myeza

  • Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni

  • Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande

  • Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande

  • Malusi Dave Ndimande

The charges in the case include conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of murder, attempted murder and offences involving firearms and ammunition.

Two of the accused, brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, were extradited from Eswatini before joining the proceedings in South Africa.

All seven accused remain entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until a court finds otherwise.

Court Balances Public Reporting and Witness Protection

The trial has also raised questions about access to court proceedings and the protection of witnesses.

At the beginning of the trial, restrictions were imposed on the reporting and broadcasting of witness testimony.

However, Judge Nomfundo Sipunzi later amended the directive, allowing accredited media to report evidence presented in court.

Restrictions protecting the identities and personal details of witnesses remain in place.

The measures are intended to balance transparency in judicial proceedings with the safety of witnesses and the right of the accused to a fair trial.

Some witnesses have also expressed discomfort about testifying in open court, prompting requests for arrangements that would allow them to give evidence remotely.

Families Continue Their Wait for Justice

The proceedings mark a significant stage in a case that has attracted national attention since the deaths of Forbes and Motsoane more than three years ago.

AKA was one of South Africa's best-known hip-hop artists, while Motsoane was a respected entrepreneur and former celebrity chef.

Their deaths prompted widespread public grief and renewed concern about violent crime.

Family members have expressed hope that the legal proceedings will establish what happened and deliver justice.

The trial has experienced delays linked to pre-trial matters and the extradition of two accused from Eswatini.

What Happens Next?

The prosecution is expected to continue presenting evidence and calling witnesses as the trial progresses.

Further testimony may address the recovery of firearms, forensic examinations and the alleged relationship between the weapons and the fatal shootings.

Defence lawyers will have opportunities to challenge the evidence and question witnesses.

The present trial phase is scheduled to continue into early November 2026, with additional proceedings planned for 2027.

No verdict has been delivered.

SA360 NEWS will continue following the trial and reporting verified developments as they emerge.

Sources and further reading

SA360 NEWS | South African News, Politics and Current Affairs

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