AKA murder: Ndimande brothers back in Durban court

The Ndimande brothers accused of murdering rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane are expected to appear at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning.

Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Dave Ndimande are appearing for the third time since their extradition from eSwatini late last year. 

They face 11 charges related to the fatal shooting of Forbes and Motsoane outside Wish Restaurant on Durban’s Florida Road in February 2023.

The brothers were brought back to South Africa in November 2025 after abandoning an attempt to remain in eSwatini. 

They had been arrested in 2024 by the Royal Eswatini Police Service at a house they were renting in Mbabane and were formally charged upon their arrival at King Shaka International Airport.

IOL News previously reported that during the proceedings in November 2025, the defence requested further information regarding the brothers’ extradition, arguing that it was necessary for them to provide proper instructions.

Advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, who now represents both brothers, told the court that the extradition details were essential. 

“During consultation, they brought to our attention that for them to give proper instructions, they require information regarding the extradition,” Mlotshwa said.

He added that a letter outlining the required information would be sent to the prosecution. 

When Magistrate Irfaan Khalil asked whether the information was solely for trial purposes, Mlotshwa clarified that some of it related directly to the trial, while other aspects did not.

Mlotshwa is acting on instructions from attorney Sibusiso Dlamini of Sibusiso Dlamini and Associates, who previously represented only Siyabonga Ndimande. Dlamini also serves as the instructing attorney for the five co-accused, who have already been indicted in the Durban High Court.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Lawrence Gcaba confirmed that discussions had taken place with the defence and said the State would provide the requested information, where available.

 “If we have the information that they are requesting,” Gcaba said.

The matter was postponed by agreement to Friday, January 9, 2026, when the court is expected to be informed of the way forward.

The Ndimande brothers are expected to join their co-accused - Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande - in the Durban High Court in July.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News