The case involving seven accused in the murders of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his associate Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane has been postponed. This follows a High Court session in Durban that took place on Thursday, 11 June 2026.
For the first time since the extradition of brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande from eSwatini, the accused stood before Judge Thoba Portia Poyo-Dlwati as a complete group. Thursday’s proceedings were part of a pre-trial conference aimed at determining the readiness for the upcoming trial, which included assessing the availability of both the prosecution and defence teams.
New Dates for the AKA and Tibz Murder Trial
Initially, the trial was planned to commence on 20 July 2026, with a subsequent session scheduled for 5 October 2026. The seven accused are expected to return to the Durban High Court on 13 August for another pre-trial meeting. The trial itself is now set to unfold from 5 October to 8 November 2026.
The delays in pre-trial proceedings arose after the defence attorneys expressed concerns about logistical challenges and scheduling conflicts. The defence team, representing all seven accused, indicated that coordinating schedules for the originally planned July date was problematic, resulting in a mutual agreement to shift to the October session instead.
Reasons for Changing the AKA and Tibz Trial Date
During the proceedings, Judge Poyo-Dlwati sought more information regarding the request to postpone, pressing both parties for an understanding of the inability to move forward as initially scheduled. She emphasized the necessity of advancing the case, particularly given the ongoing wait for justice by the victims’ families. Yet, despite her concerns, the court concurred with the postponement, setting the start date for 5 October 2026.
As part of the postponement request, the defence raised challenges concerning consultations with their clients. They noted difficulties stemming from the current detention location of the accused.
The accused are being held at the eBongweni Correctional Facility in Kokstad. The lawyers have expressed that the distance complicates their ability to meet with the accused for necessary consultations. They indicated that adjustments may need to be made to enhance access between the defence team and their clients. Previously, Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande had requested a transfer from eBongweni to another facility for improved access to their legal representatives.
