The legal proceedings against Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, two brothers linked to the killings of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, have moved to the Durban High Court. The transfer was confirmed during a brief appearance at the Durban Magistrate’s Court.
Case Transferred to High Court
Magistrate Ashwin Singh formally transferred the matter, stating that the accused will appear in the Durban High Court on 19 June 2026. This transition occurs under section 75, subsection 1, paragraph C of Act 51 of 77.
Both brothers remain behind bars, as they were remanded in custody. Magistrate Singh noted that bail is no longer in place because it had been abandoned at an earlier stage.
Defence attorney Sibusiso Dlamini confirmed that the indictment had been received on behalf of his clients. The court dispensed with the interpretation and reading of the document into the record and indictments in all three matters were entered as Exhibit A.
Criminal Charges and Background
The brothers face a severe charge sheet including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and possession of unlicensed ammunition. These charges stem from the fatal shooting of Forbes and Motsoane on 10 February 2023 outside the restaurant Wish on Durban’s Florida Road.
Beyond the AKA and Tibz case, the brothers are also connected to the 2022 murder of a taxi boss in Amanzimtoti. Following their extradition, the pair had been held at the Westville Correctional Centre.
Trial Schedule and Co-Accused
Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande are not the only individuals facing charges. They will likely stand trial alongside five other accused men: Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimane, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Mkhwanazi.
Magistrate Singh indicated that the state may be joining charges in the High Court for all accused. The group previously appeared before the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in October last year.
The trial is scheduled to take place from 20 July to 21 August 2026. A subsequent session is set to begin on 6 October.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the trial for the Ndimande brothers begin?
The trial is scheduled to run from 20 July to 21 August 2026, with a further session beginning on 6 October.
What specific charges do Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande face?
They face charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and possession of unlicensed ammunition.
Where were the Ndimande brothers arrested?
They were arrested in early 2024 at a rented residence in Mbabane, eSwatini.
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