The murder trial of Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane commenced at the Durban High Court on Monday, after a three-hour delay. The State called a police officer who arrested Siyanda Eddie Myeza, the alleged supplier of the firearms used in the killings. The officer, a former member of the South African Police Service's Tactical Response Team (TRT), testified about the arrest of Myeza in April 2023.
The police officer told the court that he was leading the team when Myeza was arrested for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition in Umlazi's L Section. The arrest came two months after AKA and Tibz were gunned down on Florida Road in Durban on February 10, 2023. The officer confirmed that he had been working with a TRT member who testified in the trial last Thursday.
The officer testified that they received information from the Crime Intelligence Unit about a suspect in L Section who was allegedly in possession of a firearm. The team went to Myeza's home, where the officer said Myeza was inside a shack. He testified that he had to forcefully open the door, which was already slightly ajar.
The trial was delayed due to several reasons on Monday morning. Proceedings were initially affected by a power outage. Myeza's counsel, advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, and advocate William Nicholson SC, who represents Gwabeni, were also stuck in a lift while making their way to the 12th floor, where the trial is being heard.
The court was subsequently informed that the prisoner's lift was also not operational, resulting in the matter being stood down until the lifts were functioning again. Proceedings eventually resumed shortly after 12:30 pm. Seven men are currently on trial for the murders, including Myeza, Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Mkhwanazi, Malusi Dave Ndimande, and Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande.
During the trial, it emerged that Myeza, wearing a green jacket, allegedly supplied the murder weapons. The police officer's testimony provided insight into the events leading up to the arrest of Myeza. The trial is ongoing, with the State presenting its case against the accused.
The case has garnered significant attention, with many following the developments in the trial. The accused face serious charges, including murder, and the prosecution is working to present a strong case against them. The trial will continue in the coming days, with more witnesses expected to testify.
Key points
- The police officer's testimony revealed that Myeza was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition in April 2023.
- The trial was delayed due to a power outage and issues with the lifts in the courthouse.
- Seven men are on trial for the murders of AKA and Tibz, including Siyanda Eddie Myeza, the alleged supplier of the firearms used in the killings.
