The long-awaited murder trial of rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and his close friend, entrepreneur and chef Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, has officially gotten underway at the Durban High Court.
Also see: Christmas behind bars: AKA murder suspects Ndimande brothers remain in custody
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, seven men are facing charges linked to the February 2023 killings, with proceedings expected to continue until 6 November 2026, before a further trial session is held at a later date.
7 Accused in the dock
AKA and Tibz were shot and killed outside a restaurant on Durban’s Florida Road on 10 February 2023.
The seven accused are Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande, Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Dave Ndimande.
They face charges including conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of murder, attempted murder and firearm- and ammunition-related offences. The National Prosecuting Authority previously confirmed that all seven remained in custody.
Brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande were extradited from eSwatini after lengthy legal proceedings and subsequently joined their co-accused in the case.
The seven men accused of killing rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and chef Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane.
Their trial began today at the Durban High Court.
It’s scheduled to run from today to 6 November (break on 4 November due to elections). TCG https://t.co/QUBS7X95v2
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) October 5, 2026
State alleges targeted hit
The prosecution alleges that the seven accused played various roles in the operation that led to the fatal shooting.
Police investigations have previously indicated that AKA was the primary target, with Tibz allegedly becoming collateral in the attack. The pair were shot outside a popular restaurant on Florida Road.
The State has indicated that at least 45 witnesses are expected to testify during the proceedings, according to ECR.
The accused face serious allegations, which remain before the court and have yet to be tested through the full trial process.
Also see: Here is the shocking twist in the AKA murder case — the killers are coming back
Tony Forbes anxious about evidence
AKA’s father, Tony Forbes, was among the family members who arrived at court for the start of the trial.
Speaking with eNCA outside court, Tony said he was anxious about what he would hear and see during the proceedings but viewed the trial as an important part of finding closure.
“I am a bit anxious about what I will hear and see, but it is an important event for me to go through as part of closure.”
Tony said he was confident in the work carried out by investigators and prosecutors and hoped those responsible would ultimately be held accountable.
He also acknowledged that the trauma surrounding his son’s death remains.
Tony Forbes says he is confident as the long-awaited murder trial of AKA and Tibz gets underway. He says the process took time as investigators worked to build a solid case, but admits he is anxious about what he will hear and see in court. Tune in to #eNCA on #DStv403. https://t.co/UdNdfalRIg
— eNCA (@eNCA) October 5, 2026
A difficult date for the Motsoane family
Tibz’s father, Sylvester Motsoane, was also at the Durban High Court as proceedings began.
The start of the trial coincided with the anniversary of his wife’s death on 5 October 2023, making an already emotional day particularly significant for him.
Speaking to reporters, Sylvester said he had accepted the deaths of both his son and wife and came to court to honour the day and follow the proceedings.
The families of AKA and Tibz stood together outside court, with Tony Forbes and Sylvester Motsoane embracing ahead of the proceedings.
Sylvester Motsoane, father of Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, says October 5 marks three years since his wife’s passing – an anniversary that now coincides with the start of the long-awaited trial into the murders of Motsoane and rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes. Seven accused are facing a string of serious charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of murder, attempted murder, and firearms and ammunition offences. Tune in to #eNCA on #DStv403.
— eNCA (@eNCA) October 5, 2026
Proceedings face an early delay
Although the trial was scheduled to begin in the morning, proceedings experienced an early delay after two of the seven accused had not yet arrived at court.
There were also reported problems with the court building’s lifts. The two accused were being transported from Westville Prison, resulting in the matter being stood down before proceedings resumed, reported eNCA.
The defence has also raised an application seeking to separate the trials of six accused from that of Siyanda Myeza, who faces additional charges. The State has opposed dealing with the separation application before the charges are put to all seven accused.
For the families of AKA and Tibz, however, the start of the trial marks a significant moment after more than three years of waiting for the case to reach this stage. The first trial session is scheduled to run until 6 November, with further dates to be discussed by the State and defence.
Also see: Ndimande Brothers Extradition Date Confirmed in AKA Murder Case
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