AKA murder suspects finally set to return to South Africa for trial

Late AKA

There’s been a major breakthrough in the ongoing case surrounding the murder of South African rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his close friend, celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motshoane.

Two of the accused, Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, have reportedly abandoned their appeal against extradition from Eswatini to South Africa.

The brothers, who were arrested in Eswatini in February 2024, are among seven men linked to the shocking double murder that took place outside a Durban restaurant in February 2023.

Their withdrawal marks a significant turning point in the long-running legal battle that has delayed the suspects’ trial in South Africa.

According to reports, the Ndimande brothers’ decision came after Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Lomvula Hlophe, submitted new evidence to strengthen South Africa’s extradition request.

In her affidavit, Hlophe urged the High Court to review the validity of the extradition request before the appeal was heard, warning that overlooking the matter could jeopardize the case.

“It is envisaged that if the issue of the validity of the request is not dealt with by the requested State (Eswatini), this poses the real risk that the appellants may raise the issue after their surrender to South Africa,” she stated.

Hlophe further cautioned that the brothers might later use the same argument to challenge their extradition once back in South Africa, potentially delaying justice for AKA and Tibz.

Although the Ndimande brothers did not disclose why they dropped their appeal, they had previously claimed that their lives would be in danger if returned to South Africa.

They expressed fears related to ongoing taxi violence and had even demanded special protection from the Royal Swazi Police during their transfer.

Once extradited, Siyabonga and Malusi will join five other accused suspects, Lindokuhle Ndimande, Siyanda Myeza, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, Lindani Ndimande, and Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi,  as the case finally heads closer to trial.

The development comes just days after former Police Minister Bheki Cele made explosive statements about the case in parliament, thrusting the high-profile murder investigation back into the spotlight.