Durban court delays AKA and Tibz murder trial to October

The murder trial for seven men accused of killing South African rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and his friend Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane has been delayed, with proceedings now scheduled to begin in October. The Durban High Court postponed the case on Thursday, June 11, 2026, to allow for a final pretrial conference in August.

All seven accused appeared together for the first time during the hearing. The group includes Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimane, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Mkhwanazi, and brothers Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Dave Ndimande. The Ndimande brothers were extradited from Eswatini in November 2025 and formally added to the case earlier this year.

Defense lawyers requested the adjournment, citing significant difficulties in preparing for trial. They argued that consultation sessions with clients held at the high-security Ebongweni Correctional Centre in Kokstad are limited to 30 minutes, which is insufficient given the voluminous case docket. Lawyers also complained about the logistical burden of traveling more than two hours for each meeting and noted that inmates are permitted only limited...