Two brothers accused of assassinating award-winning rapper Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes and his close friend Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane made their first appearance in a South African court on Tuesday following their extradition from eSwatini.
Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande appeared before Magistrate Irfaan Khalil in the Durban Magistrate’s Court, with senior state prosecutor Lawrence Gcaba leading the State's case. The brothers were represented by attorney Sibusiso Dlamini and advocate Cyril Mlotshwa.
“This is the accused's first appearance in a South African court after their extradition from the Kingdom of eSwatini on a request for a provisional arrest from the authorities in South Africa... There was a request for them to be indicted on three separate matters," Gcaba said.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi was present in court and told reporters that police were investigating the financial trail linked to the killings. (Read AKA’s murder: Police link prominent South African businessman to rapper‘s death)
He revealed that a key figure believed to have coordinated the assassinations had already been identified.
“That person paid the entire group after the job," Mkhwanazi said. "But he used his bank account to transfer money. That's a business account that he used. We are investigating further."
Gcaba told the court that, as part of the extradition process, human rights oversight had been built into the proceedings.
“This is to ensure observance, respect, and protection of the respondents' human rights," he said, explaining that individuals from the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) were available throughout the process."
However, Mlotshwa, raised concerns about access to his clients. “Before the date of the postponement, we will be visiting them in the correctional services facility. However, I wouldn't know if that security detail will allow us to consult with them privately." (Read South African police arrest six for murder of rapper, AKA)
Magistrate Khalil stressed that the accused were constitutionally entitled to consult with their legal representatives, adding that security protocols would not interfere with that right.
The case was postponed to November 25 to allow the defence team time to consult with the accused.
Source: iol.co.za
