AKA, Tibz murder case: State says it's ready for trial after concluding investigation

DURBAN - The State in the murder case of rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and celebrity chef, Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, said it had concluded its investigation into the case and was ready for trial.

Five men accused of killing the hip-hop star and the celebrity chef returned to the Durban Magistrates Court on Friday.

The case was postponed so that the State could prepare indictments to be served in February 2025.

Two other men stand accused in the same case in Eswatini.

The high-profile murder case is expected to proceed with trial in 2025, with or without the other two accused in Eswatini.

Brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande are challenging the State's efforts to extradite them from the Swati kingdom to stand trial alongside the five other accused in Durban.

While the State wants them to be brought back to South Africa, Magistrate Vincent Hlatshwayo said there would be no more postponements pending their extradition process.

"The matter is going on appeal, but even if that appeal is refused, there is a possibility that it could go to the Supreme Court of Appeal, which is the right of the accused. No one can take that away from them. I respect that. Therefore, I cannot entertain any further postponement for the outstanding accused."  

This means the Ndimande brothers may be prosecuted separately from the five co-accused.

The State said it was ready to continue with trial proceedings.