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Christmas behind bars: AKA murder suspects Ndimande brothers remain in custody

Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, the brothers charged in the 2023 murder of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, will spend Christmas in custody.

They appeared in Durban Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for their second hearing. The case was postponed to January 9, 2026, to allow the defence and prosecution to exchange information related to their extradition from Eswatini.

“Malusi Dave Ndimande and Siyabonga Gizani Ndimande, to both of you, this matter stands postponed until the 9th of January 2026, back to this court. The matter stands postponed to allow your council to forward a formal request for certain information to the state and to allow the state to respond thereto. No bail is fixed; you will remain in custody,” said Magistrate Irfaan Khallil.

Malusi is represented by advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, and Siyabonga by Sibusiso Dlamini. Prosecutor Lawrence Gcaba confirmed receipt of the defence’s request for additional information.

The murders occurred at the now-closed Wish restaurant on Durban’s Florida Road in February 2023.

AKA’s mother, Lynn Forbes, attended court and expressed gratitude to the prosecution for their efforts despite the lengthy extradition process.

Other suspects — Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Ndimande—also face charges in the case, with their next pre-trial session scheduled for June 19, 2026.

The trial is set to run from July 20 to August 21, with another session starting on October 6.

The Ndimande brothers remain in custody and also face charges in other cases, including the 2022 murder of an Amanzimtoti taxi boss and attempted murder of his wife.

First published by African Insider

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Also see: ’South African air is suffocating today’ – Lynn Forbes triggered by Ndimande brothers’ arrival

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