The murder trial of AKA and Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane has begun in Durban, with seven accused pleading not guilty as Lynn Forbes reflects on the emotional proceedings.

The long-awaited murder trial of South African rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane has begun at the Durban High Court, more than three years after the pair were shot dead.

Seven men appeared before the court on Monday, 5 October 2026, and pleaded not guilty to the charges relating to the deaths of AKA and Tibz. 

The accused face 11 charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of murder, five counts of attempted murder and firearm-related offences. The National Prosecuting Authority previously confirmed that all seven accused remain in custody. 

Lynn Forbes attends emotional opening day

AKA's mother, Lynn Forbes, was among the family members who attended the opening of the trial.

She was joined by AKA's father, Tony Forbes, while Tibz's father, Sylvester Motsoane, was also present.

Speaking about attending the proceedings, Lynn described the experience as emotionally difficult and indicated that she does not intend to sit through every day of the trial because of the painful details surrounding her son's death. 

Lynn also spoke about the emotional burden she has carried over Tibz's death, explaining that she has experienced feelings of guilt because she believes her son was the intended target.

She was seen comforting Tibz's father during the proceedings. 

Seven accused plead not guilty

All seven men denied the charges against them when their pleas were recorded.

AKA and Tibz were shot dead outside a restaurant on Florida Road in Durban on 10 February 2023. The killings became one of South Africa's most closely followed criminal cases and led to a lengthy investigation. 

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

Court makes important ruling on second day

There has already been a significant development since the article originally shared by SA360 NEWS readers was reported.

On Tuesday, 6 October, six of the accused successfully applied for charges involving co-accused Siyanda Myeza in a separate 2022 case to be tried separately.

Judge Nomfundo Sipunzi granted the application, meaning Myeza's additional charges connected to the separate May 2022 case will not be heard together with those charges against all seven relating to the AKA and Tibz murders. 

The State had opposed the application, arguing that evidence overlapped between the cases, including evidence concerning a firearm.

Strict rules for media coverage

The court has also imposed restrictions on what the media can report while witnesses give evidence.

Judge Sipunzi directed that the identities and personal details of witnesses may not be disclosed and that their evidence may not be published or broadcast while they testify unless authorised by the court.

The restrictions are intended to balance open justice with the accused persons' right to a fair trial and the protection of witnesses. 

Trial expected to continue into November

The NPA previously scheduled the trial period from 5 October until 6 November 2026, although additional dates could be required.

For the families of AKA and Tibz, the opening of the trial represents the beginning of another difficult chapter more than three years after the killings.

The seven accused have pleaded not guilty, and the allegations against them remain to be determined by the court.