The murder trial involving five men accused of killing rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane has been postponed to June 2025, as the Durban High Court waits to confirm if the defence teams are ready to proceed.
AKA murder case: Here’s what happened in court today
The latest court session, held on Thursday, was brief and focused on pre-trial procedures.
Five of the seven suspects appeared before the judge. Two others, believed to be in eSwatini, remain in custody there as they fight their extradition to South Africa. Despite their absence, the court has moved ahead with the case involving the five suspects already in South Africa.
Will the trial kick off in June? – Here’s what we can confirm
The accused are facing several charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, five counts of attempted murder, and money laundering.
These charges relate to the double shooting that took place outside Wish Restaurant on Florida Road, Durban, on 10 February 2023. The State alleges the crime was planned in advance and carried out with precision. CCTV footage, phone records, and eyewitness testimony are expected to be key parts of the evidence.
Legal expert Abigail Ngobene, speaking to SABC News, explained the importance of Thursday’s appearance. She said the court is waiting for defence lawyers to confirm if they have received enough information to prepare their case.
“The accused were given an indictment and detailed documents. According to Section 35 of the Constitution, every accused person has the right to full details of the charges against them, so they can defend themselves properly,” Ngobene said.
If the defence finds the documents to be incomplete, they can ask the court for what is called “further particulars.”
This means they are requesting more specific information before the trial can begin. Once the court is satisfied that both the defence and prosecution are ready, it can certify the case as trial-ready and set a date for the proceedings to start.
Ngobene also addressed the issue of the two suspects still in eSwatini.
“The Supreme Court of eSwatini is hearing an appeal from the suspects, claiming the extradition process was not done correctly. If the appeal is granted, it may delay their return, but the South African case will go ahead without them for now,” she explained.
According to the State, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni is alleged to be the mastermind behind the attack.
He is accused of tracking AKA’s movements from King Shaka International Airport and coordinating the shooting. The court previously denied bail to Gwabeni and one of the Ndimande brothers, citing concerns for the safety of witnesses.
The prosecution claims that Gwabeni has already tried to intimidate witnesses in the case.
The trial is expected to be one of the most closely watched legal proceedings in recent memory, with public interest remaining high as new details unfold.
For now, the court’s focus remains on ensuring both sides are fully prepared before the trial can officially begin.
