AKA murder trial: Seven accused plead not guilty at Durban High Court

Durban According to The South African, seven men charged with the murders of rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and celebrity chef Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane pleaded not guilty when their trial opened at the Durban High Court.

Who is charged and what they face

According to The South African, the accused are Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi, Lindani Ndimande, Siyanda Myeza, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, Lindokuhle Ndimande, Malusi Ndimande and Siyabonga Ndimande. The South African reports they face 11 charges including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, five counts of attempted murder and money laundering.

Trial schedule and related applications

According to The South African, the trial is scheduled to run from 5 October to 6 November 2026, with a break on 4 November for the local government elections. During the first day of proceedings, all seven accused pleaded not guilty to the 11 charges relating to the murders of Forbes and Motsoane.

According to The South African, accused number three is Siyanda Myeza, who faces an additional six charges in a separate matter. The State has argued that the separate case should run concurrently with the AKA murder trial because of similarities in the evidence.

According to The South African, accused number one has brought an application, supported by the other accused, for a separation of trials. The South African reports that the application is expected to be heard on Tuesday, 6 October.

Family reaction

According to The South African, AKA’s father, Tony Forbes, spoke to journalists before proceedings and said he had confidence in investigators and the judicial process. He said,

“I am a bit anxious about what I will hear and see, but it is an important event for me to go through as part of closure. That trauma is still there. It’s the first day and I’m preparing myself for what could be another marathon. I don’t think it will be over quickly; it’s got to be done properly.”

According to The South African, AKA’s mother, Lynn Forbes, thanked the prosecution and investigating teams but said she would not attend every session because she did not want to hear all the details surrounding her son’s death. She said,

“I did feel that I had to come today, but I’m not planning on attending all the court sessions… I don’t want to sit in and listen to all the gory details. I did feel that I had to be here today to acknowledge the process, show respect for the process and express my appreciation to the investigating team.”

The South African reports Lynn also said their daughter, Kairo, “knows that I’m here today” and that the family try to shield her from details.

Background of the killings

According to The South African, Forbes and Motsoane were shot and killed on Florida Road in Durban on 10 February 2023. Seven men have since been charged in connection with the murders.

Edit note

This edit corrects the name Eddie Myeza to Siyanda Myeza throughout the article and changes the date phrasing “Tuesday, 6 October 2026” to “Tuesday, 6 October” as requested. No other facts, names or dates were changed.