By Bhekizenzo Zonele
The murder trial of seven men accused of killing award-winning rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane has been postponed to April 2027, after the State presented evidence from more than 20 witnesses in the Durban High Court.
The postponement means the accused will remain in custody for several more months as the prosecution prepares to continue presenting its case.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the State had presented a range of evidence since the trial began in early October, including surveillance footage, vehicle-tracking data, ballistic findings and financial records.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the NPA confirmed that the trial would resume next year.
“The matter has been adjourned to 12 April to 14 May 2027 for the continuation of the trial and the presentation of further evidence in the State’s case,” the authority said.
The latest proceedings have focused largely on financial evidence, with the court hearing testimony about alleged payments between bank accounts linked to some of the accused.
Banking records showing a payment of more than R800 000 from a company linked to Durban taxi boss Mfundo Gcaba to accused Mziwethemba Gwabeni on February 11, 2023, a day after the killings, were presented during this week’s hearings.
The court also heard vehicle-tracking evidence relating to a grey Volkswagen Polo and a Hyundai Grand i10 allegedly hired by Gwabeni.
The tracking records placed the vehicles in similar areas on the day of the murders before they separated, with the Polo later recorded on Florida Road.
The defence has questioned aspects of the tracking evidence, including its accuracy and interpretation.
The trial has also heard forensic evidence relating to cartridges, DNA and other material recovered during the investigation.
NPA spokesperson for KwaZulu-Natal Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said the prosecution had made significant progress since the trial began.
“It has seen the State lead evidence from more than 20 witnesses presenting evidence thus far that includes video footage, vehicle-tracking data, ballistic evidence and financial evidence,” she said.
The seven accused are Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande, Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Dave Ndimande.
They face charges of conspiracy to murder, two counts of murder, several counts of attempted murder, and firearms and ammunition offences.
All seven pleaded not guilty when the trial began in October.
Forbes and Motsoane were shot dead on Florida Road outside the now-closed Wish restaurant in Durban on February 10, 2023.
The killings shocked the country after CCTV footage of the shooting circulated widely, prompting a major police investigation that eventually led to the arrests of the accused.
Two of the accused were extradited from Eswatini following legal proceedings to secure their return to South Africa.
The trial is scheduled to resume on April 12, 2027, and continue until May 14, when the State is expected to present further evidence.
All seven accused will remain in custody until proceedings resume.
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