The Durban Magistrate’s Court has denied a renewed bail application by two men accused of the murder of renowned rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
The decision, delivered on Wednesday, prolongs the custody of the accused, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni and Lindokuhle Ndimande.
Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, NPA regional spokesperson, said the duo had filed fresh appeals last week, arguing that their prolonged incarceration was causing severe financial and emotional distress to their families. They also contended that, as the State’s investigations had concluded, their release on bail would not risk interference with witnesses.
A pivotal point in their appeal referenced the Ndimande brothers, Siyabonga Gezani and Malusi Dave, who are also implicated in the murders but remain in Eswatini, resisting extradition to South Africa.
Magistrate Vincent Hlatshwayo dismissed the application, citing the absence of new evidence. He noted that one of the accused had previously interfered with witnesses and failed to provide assurances against repeating such actions. “The court cannot ignore past conduct or accept unsupported claims of compliance,” Mr Hlatshwayo stated.
Mr Gwabeni and Mr Ndimande are charged alongside Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande. The charges include conspiracy to commit murder, murder, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, five counts of attempted murder, and money laundering.
The State alleges Mr Gwabeni masterminded AKA’s assassination, receiving R800 000 following the crime and subsequently distributing payments to his co-accused. The men will remain in custody.
