Key Suspects in AKA Murder Case Finally Face Justice
After nearly two years of investigation and legal proceedings, two brothers identified as the main suspects in the murder of celebrated South African rapper Kiernan AKA Forbes and his friend Tebello Tibz Motsoane have been extradited to face trial. Siyabonga Ndimande and Malusi Ndimande were transported from Eswatini under heavy police escort on November 11, 2025, marking a significant development in the case that stunned the entertainment industry.
The Fateful Shooting That Shook the Nation
The tragic events unfolded on the evening of February 10, 2023, when AKA and Motsoane were leaving a restaurant on Florida Road in Durban. As they approached their vehicle, two armed men emerged and opened fire at close range, killing both men in what authorities described as a coordinated assassination.
The brazen daylight attack triggered an immediate and massive law enforcement response, with investigators combing through surveillance footage, conducting ballistic analysis, and coordinating across multiple agencies to identify the perpetrators.
International Manhunt and Extradition Battle
The Ndimande brothers were first apprehended in early 2024 in neighboring Eswatini after being identified as suspects connected to the attack. South African authorities successfully requested their extradition, with Eswatini's courts granting the order in August 2024.
The brothers challenged the extradition process, delaying their transfer until November 2025 when they finally arrived at King Shaka International Airport under INTERPOL and heavy police escort. They were immediately brought before the Durban Magistrate's Court for their first appearance.
Multiple Charges and Court Proceedings
In court, the brothers faced a comprehensive list of charges including:
- Murder of Kiernan Forbes (AKA)
- Murder of Tebello Motsoane (Tibz)
- Attempted murder
- Conspiracy to commit murder
- Unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition
Appearing before Magistrate Irfan Khalil under high security and in leg-irons, the brothers' lawyers requested an adjournment to properly consult with their clients. The court granted this request, setting a return date of November 25, 2025.
Broader Criminal Network Revealed
Police investigations revealed that the Ndimande brothers are wanted in connection with multiple other serious crimes. According to police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe, the brothers face approximately 24 charges across three separate cases:
The first case involves the murder of a taxi boss in Amanzimtoti in 2022, where they face five charges. The second relates to the murders of AKA and Tibz Motsoane, comprising 11 charges. The third concerns the murder of a taxi boss's driver and the attempted murder of his wife, with about 11 charges in that matter.
Ongoing Investigation and Family Reactions
Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains active, with focus extending beyond the shooters to those who may have financed and coordinated the hit. Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of the KwaZulu-Natal police confirmed that investigators have traced bank transfers and business accounts tied to persons of interest who may have orchestrated the murder.
For the families of AKA and Tibz, the extradition represents both relief and renewed pain. AKA's father publicly expressed cautious relief at seeing key suspects finally appear in court, while the mother described the moment as a mixture of relief and anguish.
What Comes Next in the Legal Process
With the extradition complete, the brothers will be formally processed under South African law. The lead investigator will execute the J50 warrant of arrest, taking fingerprints, warning statements, and informing them of the charges they face. They will also be afforded the right of reply through their attorneys.
The case continues to draw significant public attention, with the next court appearance scheduled for November 25 expected to draw similar media scrutiny as the initial hearing.
