State claims AKA's alleged killers 'operate as a gang'

DURBAN - The State claims that the men arrested for the murder of Kiernan "AKA" Forbes are part of a gang that carries out murders and supplies stolen vehicles and firearms on the black market.

Five of the seven men appeared in the Durban Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning, where the State presented arguments in opposition to the accused being granted bail.

Forbes and his friend Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane were killed on Durban’s Florida Road on 10 February last year.

The State says it's in possession of evidence that suggests the men arrested for the murder of AKA had planned how they would go about killing the South African artist.

READ: Accused in AKA, Tibz murders used their payments for personal gain

"The State will lead evidence in a trial to show the applicants conspired to kill the first deceased in this matter," said State prosecutor advocate Elvis Gcweka.

The State opposed bail being granted for any of the accused, painting them as hardened criminals who are allegedly involved in the underworld.

"Our evidence suggests the applicants and their associates operate as a gang. Part of the group are involved in supplying stolen vehicles and firearms as other members of the group carry out assassinations."

The matter has been postponed to Tuesday for further evidence to be presented by the State.