The trial of seven men accused of killing rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend “Tibz” outside a restaurant in Durban in February 2023 began in the Durban high court on Monday. The accused, aged between 21 and 36, face 11 charges including conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of murder, five counts of attempted murder, and illegal possession of guns and ammunition.
A smoking gun found on one of the accused, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, when he was arrested for unlawful gun possession will be a key piece of evidence in the trial. The gun is linked to the killing of AKA and a shooting a year earlier, in which a man named Gift Khanyile was killed and two others were injured. Myeza faces six additional counts relating to this incident.
The seven accused, who pleaded not guilty to the 11 charges, are: Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, 30; Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, 35; Siyanda Eddie Myeza, 21; Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, 36; Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Ndimande, 29; Malusi Dave, 30; and Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande, 31. The state consolidated the matters after they were linked with the same evidence.
However, the trial was temporarily halted on Tuesday as the state opposed an application by Mkhwanazi to split Myeza’s separate charges into its own trial. Mkhwanazi argued that the amended indictment was unfair and would prolong the trial, causing him financial strain. He cited the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial as an example of how lengthy trials can be prejudicial.
In court, AKA’s mother Lynn Forbes was seen comforting Tibz’s father Sylvester Motsoane. Speaking outside court, Forbes admitted to feeling guilty over Tibz’s death, saying she always felt a little bit guilty that Motsoane lost his son when AKA was the intended target. She expressed gratitude to the legal team and police investigators working on the case.
The trial was marred by delays due to some accused arriving late and a blackout on media reporting. Judge Nomfundo Sipunzi issued a directive that witness testimony may not be broadcast, and media representatives can only publish limited information about the trial. The directive aims to protect the accused’s right to a fair trial and the interests of witnesses.
The case will continue with the state presenting its evidence, and the accused will have the opportunity to present their defence. The trial is expected to be a lengthy and complex one, with multiple charges and accused individuals. Key points:
Key points
- The trial of seven men accused of killing AKA and Tibz has begun in the Durban high court.
- A smoking gun found on one of the accused, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, links him to the killing of AKA and a shooting a year earlier.
- The trial was temporarily halted due to an application by one of the accused to split his charges into a separate trial.
