Pretrial proceedings in the AKA murder trial have resumed in the Durban High Court.
AKA Murder Trial Moves Forward as Court Prepares for Full Trial
This stage of the case involves planning and preparation before the official trial begins.
The case relates to the killings of South African rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, who were shot outside a restaurant in Durban on 10 February 2023.
Pretrial proceedings happen before the trial begins. This is when the court checks if both the State (prosecutors) and defence (lawyers for the accused) have everything they need.
The judge ensures that everyone understands the charges and that lawyers are ready to present their case. It’s a way to avoid delays once the trial starts.
In this case, the court had previously postponed the proceedings because some accused men did not have proper legal representation. Judge President Thoba Poyo-Dlwati said the court aims to start the full trial next year and will set aside three months for it.
Who Is Involved in the Case?
Five men are currently charged in connection with the murders:
- Thabani Mkhwanazi (30)
- Lindani Zenzele Ndimande (35)
- Siyanda Eddie Myeza (21)
- Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni (36)
- Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Ndimande (29)
The charges include conspiracy to commit murder, actual murder, attempted murder, and the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. There are also charges of money laundering.
The State alleges the attack was carefully planned and carried out with coordination, using phone records and CCTV footage as part of the evidence.
Gwabeni is accused of being the mastermind. He is believed to have tracked AKA’s movements from King Shaka International Airport and organised the shooting. Bail was denied to him and one of the Ndimande brothers due to concerns for witness safety.
What Is Happening With the Other Suspects?
Two more suspects, Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, are still in eSwatini. They are fighting extradition to South Africa. Extradition is a legal process where one country hands over a person to another country to face charges.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, the appeal is now before the eSwatini Supreme Court.
“The respondents have to file their heads of arguments and then the State will file theirs. After that, the matter will be set down for hearing,” she said.
Legal expert Abigail Ngobene told SABC News that defence lawyers are currently reviewing the indictment and all supporting documents. If they believe some documents are incomplete or missing important details, they can ask for more information, known as “further particulars.”
This step ensures the accused fully understand the charges and can defend themselves properly. The court will only declare the case ready for trial once all parties are prepared.
The court is working toward confirming the trial start date. Judge Poyo-Dlwati has asked all lawyers to avoid further delays. She warned one of the defence lawyers, Advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, not to accept new cases during this time, to avoid schedule clashes.
As preparations continue, the AKA murder trial remains under public watch, with many awaiting justice for one of South Africa’s most high-profile murder cases.