Ndimande brothers demand extradition details in high-profile AKA murder case
The Ndimande brothers, Siyabonga Gezani and Malusi Dave, at the Durban Magistrate's Court on Tuesday morning.
Image: Nomonde Zondi
The two Ndimande brothers, who have been recently brought back to South Africa for the murders of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, are requesting information regarding their extradition.
This was heard by the Durban Magistrate's Court on Tuesday morning, where the brothers, Siyabonga Gezani and Malusi Dave, made their second appearance.
After abandoning their attempt to stay in Eswatini at the end of October, the brothers were formally charged upon their arrival at King Shaka International Airport earlier this month.
They were arrested in 2024 by the Royal Eswatini Police Service in Mbabane at a house they were renting.
Forbes and Motsoane were shot dead outside Wish Restaurant on Durban’s Florida Road in February 2023.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions advocate Lawrence Gcaba and AKA's mom, Lynn Forbes. Forbes had been thanking the prosecution team for their work.
Image: Nomonde Zondi
During the court proceedings, the brothers' representative, advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, informed the court that the brothers indicated they could not provide proper instructions without the requested extradition details.
“During consultation, they brought to our attention that for them to give proper instructions, they require information regarding the extradition,” Mlotshwa stated.
He confirmed that a letter would be sent to the prosecution outlining the required information.
When Magistrate Irfaan Khalil asked if the information was solely for the trial, Mlotshwa clarified that “other information is for the trial”.
Mlotshwa now represents both brothers following instructions from attorney Sibusiso Dlamini of Sibusiso Dlamini and Associates, who previously only represented Siyabonga. Dlamini is also the instructing attorney for the five co-accused brothers, who have already been indicted by the Durban High Court.
AKA's mother Lynn Forbes at the Durban Magistrate's Court on Tuesday morning.
Image: Nomonde Zondi
Advocate Lawrence Gcaba, the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, confirmed that discussions had taken place with the defence regarding the request and that the State would supply the information, emphasising, “If we have the information that they are requesting.”
Both parties agreed to postpone the matter to January 9, 2026. Gcaba stated that on this date, the court would be informed of the way forward.
In attendance for the first time since the arrests of all accused men was AKA’s mother, Lynn Forbes. She expressed gratitude to Gcaba, the lead prosecutor, and the entire prosecution team. She listened intently during proceedings, frequently looking at the Ndimande brothers.
Lynn had promised the media an interview, but, visibly emotional after the matter adjourned, she quickly left the courtroom, escorted by armed police officers who had been guarding her.
The Ndimande brothers are scheduled to join their co-accused — Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande — at the Durban High Court in July next year.
nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za