Ndimande Brothers Return To Durban Court In AKA Murder Case

Ndimande Brothers Back In Court As AKA Murder Case Moves Forward

Nearly three years after gunshots shattered a busy Durban nightlife strip, the case linked to the murder of Kiernan Forbes, known to millions as AKA, returned to the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning.

Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Dave Ndimande appeared before the court for the third time since being extradited from eSwatini late last year. The brothers face 11 charges connected to the fatal shooting of AKA and his close friend Tebello Motsoane, who was widely known as Tibz.

The February 2023 killings outside Wish Restaurant on Florida Road sent shockwaves through Durban and the broader South African music industry, turning a popular social hub into the centre of one of the country’s most high-profile criminal cases.

From Florida Road To Extradition

The Ndimande brothers were arrested in 2024 by the Royal Eswatini Police Service at a rented property in Mbabane. After initially attempting to fight their return to South Africa, they abandoned the process and were extradited in November 2025.

They were formally charged upon arrival at King Shaka International Airport, a moment that marked a significant step in a case that has moved slowly through legal and diplomatic channels.

Friday’s appearance focused less on the details of the shooting itself and more on procedural matters linked to their extradition.

Defence Pushes For Extradition Details

Advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, who now represents both brothers, told the court that his clients required further information about the extradition process before they could give proper legal instructions.

He explained that some of the information requested related directly to the upcoming trial, while other aspects were necessary for broader legal clarity. A formal letter outlining these requests is expected to be submitted to the prosecution.

Mlotshwa is acting on instructions from attorney Sibusiso Dlamini, who also represents the five co-accused already indicted in the Durban High Court.

State Signals Willingness To Cooperate

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Lawrence Gcaba confirmed that discussions had taken place with the defence and indicated that the State would provide the requested information where possible.

The matter was postponed by agreement to Friday, January 9, 2026, when the court is expected to receive an update on how the case will proceed.

High Court Trial On The Horizon

The Ndimande brothers are expected to join their co-accused in the Durban High Court in July. Those already indicted include Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande.

As the legal process continues, the case remains a stark reminder of how a single night on Florida Road changed South African music history forever, and how the justice system is still working to bring closure nearly three years on.

{Source:IOL}

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