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| (File picture) Suspects are asked to remove masks during the AKA murder case at Durban Magistrate's Court on February 29, 2024 in Durban. (Photo by Gallo Images/Darren Stewart) |
South African musician Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes was assassinated with chef Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane in February 2023. The state has added two money laundering charges to the 10 charges against the five suspects, including Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi (30), Lindani Ndimande (35), Siyanda Myeza (21), Mziwethemba Gwabeni (36) and Lindokuhle Ndimande (29). The five men appeared for the first time last Wednesday but their case was postponed to today.
The Ndimande brothers, Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, were arrested in Eswatini on 24 February and are believed to be in hiding in that country after being wanted in connection with AKA's murder. If their extradition application is successful, they will join the five accused in the 12 charges brought against them.
The court was packed to capacity, with journalists and families of the accused in the public gallery. Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi stated that the seven men had played different roles during the operation, including a co-ordinator, shooters, spotters, and organizers of firearms and vehicles used as getaways.
The magistrate ordered the men to remain in custody until next Thursday, 14 March, for the start of the bail hearing. Legal representatives of the five accused have indicated that they will apply for bail, but the state has said it will oppose such applications due to the premeditated murder charge, which is considered Schedule 6 in South African law.
