Brothers accused in AKA murder case abandon appeal against extradition

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi says she looks forward to the successful extradition of two brothers accused of being the gunmen in the murder of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello Motsoane in Durban’s Florida Road in February 2023. 

The two brothers are likely to return to South Africa after abandoning their appeal against extradition.

Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi David Ndimande have been resisting attempts by the state to extradite them from Eswatini.

Forbes and Motsoane were shot dead outside a restaurant on Florida Road in Durban in February 2023. Seven men have been charged with the murders, two of whom are in Eswatini.

Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, 30, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, 35; Siyanda Eddie Myeza, 21, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, 36, and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande, 29, are scheduled to stand trial in July next year.

Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, who are incarcerated in Eswatini, have fought to avoid extradition to South Africa since February 2024, when they were charged in connection with the murders.

However, the state has stressed that the extradition of the two brothers will not affect the start of the trial next year in South Africa.

KwaZulu-Natal National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara confirmed that they have received a notice of abandonment from Eswatini authorities regarding the Ndimande brothers.

“The Eswatini authorities will handle the matter further and communicate with the South African authorities in due course,” she said.

Kubayi welcomed confirmation that Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, who are accused of murdering Forbes and Motsoane, have withdrawn their appeal against extradition from the Kingdom of Eswatini to the Republic of South Africa.

She said she received an update on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from the National Directorate of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), confirming receipt of a notice of abandonment from Eswatini authorities signalling the withdrawal of the suspects’ appeal.

Kubayi said the withdrawal brings the process of extraditing the brothers to South Africa closer to being finalised.

“At this stage, the Kingdom of Eswatini authorities will handle the remaining procedural matters and will communicate further developments to the South African authorities in due course,” she said.

She expressed her appreciation to South African law enforcement and justice officials who have been working closely with their counterparts in Eswatini to advance the case to its current stage.

Kubayi added that she looks forward to the successful extradition of the two suspects to South Africa so they can face justice and the victims’ families can find closure.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za