The Durban High Court has lifted its ban on reporting witness evidence in the murder trial of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane. This decision allows media to broadcast testimony as the trial proceeds. Judge Nomfundo Sipunzi changed an earlier directive that had restricted journalists from reporting witness testimony during its presentation. The new directive permits accredited media to report on testimonies and evidence.
The change comes as the state begins to present evidence, including details from a May 2022 shooting in Mayville linked to the investigation into Forbes and Motsoane’s deaths. A retired police officer, who cannot be named, testified about the May shooting at a BP garage in Durban. The officer reported that 30 spent cartridges were found at the scene, and a white Toyota Etios, believed to be used by the attackers, was discovered nearby with blood stains and fingerprints.
The court heard that the gun used in the Mayville shooting was linked to the murders of Forbes and Motsoane through ballistic evidence. This has been a point of contention regarding whether charges against Siyanda Eddie Myeza should be part of the main trial. The court decided these charges will be handled separately. Myeza faces charges in both incidents, but his Mayville charges are proceeding independently from the main case involving Forbes and Motsoane.
All seven accused pleaded not guilty at the trial’s start on Monday. The trial has been ongoing, with the state presenting evidence against the accused. Following a disruption during Tuesday’s proceedings caused by a cellphone reportedly found with one of the accused, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, security has been tightened.
The trial was postponed until Wednesday, although the cellphone issue was not addressed when proceedings resumed. The court continues to hear evidence, with the state poised to present further details against the accused. The accused are facing charges related to the murders of Forbes and Motsoane.
The lifting of the reporting ban allows for greater transparency in the trial, with accredited media able to report on testimonies and evidence. Witnesses’ identities will remain confidential, in line with the court’s earlier directives. The trial is expected to continue in the coming days, with the state presenting more evidence against the accused.
The case has garnered significant attention, with many following the developments in the Durban High Court. The trial’s outcome will have significant implications for those involved and the broader community. The court’s decision to handle Myeza’s charges separately may impact the overall prosecution of the case.
Key points
- The Durban High Court lifted its ban on reporting witness evidence in the AKA and Tibz murder trial.
- The trial continues, with the state presenting evidence against the seven accused.
- The court decided to handle Siyanda Eddie Myeza’s charges separately from the main case.
