News
SAPS Vows Justice as AKA Murder Suspects Return to South Africa from Eswatini
The Long-Awaited Return of the Ndimande Brothers
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has spoken firmly as two of the key suspects in the high-profile murder of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane prepare to return to South Africa.
After months of legal battles in the Kingdom of Eswatini, brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande have dropped their opposition to extradition. Their arrest and return mark one of the final steps in a case that has gripped the nation since the February 2023 shooting outside the Wish restaurant in Durban.
Speaking at King Shaka International Airport, SAPS spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe made it clear that the brothers would be held accountable for their alleged crimes. “It is us who must ensure that they stay behind bars, where they don’t kill more people in South Africa,” she told reporters.
A Nationwide Sense of Relief
The statement came as a strong reassurance to the public, who have followed the case with heartbreak and outrage for nearly two years. The SAPS confirmed that the brothers are wanted in connection with three separate cases, including the murders of a taxi boss in Amanzimtoti, the killings of AKA and Tibz, and another attack on a taxi driver and his wife.
Colonel Mathe said one of the brothers is believed to have pulled the trigger that ended AKA’s life, and police have recovered the firearm used in that shooting. However, the weapon responsible for Tibz’s death remains missing. “We have overwhelming evidence that places them on the crime scene of all these cases,” Mathe said, adding that the brothers are considered professional hitmen and dangerous criminals.
The two Ndimande brothers have departed from King Mswati III International Airport in eSwatini. They are en route to King Shaka International Airport in Durban, where they will face 24 charges including the murder of South African rapper AKA (Kiernan Forbes).
Video: Supplied pic.twitter.com/G9JRt5uTzm— IOL News (@IOL) November 11, 2025
How the Extradition Will Work
A high-risk Interpol team has already travelled to Eswatini to collect the suspects. The formal handover between Interpol South Africa, Interpol Mbabane, and Eswatini authorities will take place at King Mswati International Airport before the brothers are escorted back to Durban.
Once they land, they will be officially arrested in South Africa through a J50 warrant issued by investigators. The process will include taking fingerprints and statements and informing the suspects of their charges before their first court appearance.
Justice Within Reach
The case has been deeply symbolic for South Africans. AKA’s murder, captured on CCTV, sent shockwaves across the continent and raised questions about organised crime and contract killings in the country’s music industry.
Now, with seven men in custody, police believe all suspects linked to the murders are finally behind bars. While investigations continue, SAPS insists that justice for AKA and Tibz is within reach.
Colonel Mathe’s words echo what many in the public have long felt: that safety and justice must outweigh fear. “It is us, the communities, that must fear them, not them fearing for their lives,” she said.
For fans and loved ones of the slain rapper, the long fight for closure might soon be nearing its end.
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: IOL
Featured Image: YouTube/S.K Media Production
