The Durban Magistrate’s Court has denied bail to two of the five men charged with the murder of rapper Kiernan Forbes, known as AKA, and his friend, chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane. The pair was gunned down in a nighttime assassination in Durban’s busy Florida Road entertainment hub over a year ago.
Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni (36) and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande (29) appeared in court last week, seeking bail based on what they claimed were new facts. However, Magistrate Vincent Hlatshwayo ruled that the information presented did not constitute new evidence and denied their bail application.
The five accused—Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi (30), Lindani Ndimande (35), Siyanda Myeza (21), Gwabeni, and Ndimande—are facing charges that include the murders of AKA and Tibz. The case has drawn significant media and public attention.
Meanwhile, two additional suspects who fled to eSwatini remain in custody in Manzini, awaiting extradition to South Africa. Charges against these five accused range from murder, attempted murder, money laundering, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The State, represented by Advocates Elvis Gcweka and Lawrence Gcaba, presented new evidence directly linking Gwabeni to the murders. Key evidence includes:
• CCTV footage showing Gwabeni at King Shaka International Airport when AKA arrived.
• Surveillance of him trailing the rapper’s entourage.
• Footage placing him at the crime scene and driving a BMW implicated in the killings.
• Phone records confirming his presence near the victims’ hotel.
The defense, led by Advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, argued that the continued incarceration of the accused has caused significant financial and emotional strain on their families. Gwabeni stated that his mining and construction businesses have been severely affected, leaving his children unable to pay school fees. Similarly, Ndimande claimed that his taxi business and poultry farm have suffered substantial losses due to his detention. However, the State challenged these claims, questioning the timeline and authenticity of Ndimande’s alleged financial hardships, including details of a taxi accident.
Natasha Kara-Ramkisson, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in KwaZulu-Natal, confirmed that the case will return to court on Friday, 7 February.
