Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Chris Makhaye
Published on 2024-03-06 11:32:18
The state has added two new money laundering charges to the existing 10 charges brought against five men accused of planning and executing the assassination of popular musician Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, who was killed alongside celebrity chef Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane outside a well-known Durban restaurant in February 2023.
The five accused individuals—Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi (30), Lindani Ndimande (35), Siyanda Myeza (21), Mziwethemba Gwabeni (36), and Lindokuhle Ndimande (29)—made their initial court appearance last Wednesday, with the case being adjourned to a later date.
Following their court appearance, two brothers, Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, appeared in the Manzini Magistrates Court in Eswatini. The Ndimande brothers were apprehended in Eswatini on February 24 and were suspected of hiding in the country to evade charges related to AKA’s murder. Their extradition proceedings are scheduled to continue in the Manzini court the following week.
If the extradition request by South African authorities is granted, the Ndimande brothers will join the five accused individuals facing a total of 12 charges. These charges encompass two counts of murder (of AKA and Tibz Motsoane), five counts of attempted murder, possession of illegal firearms, possession of ammunition, and money laundering offenses.
Among the seven implicated individuals, four are siblings from the Ndimande family, who operate a taxi fleet in KwaZulu-Natal.
During the recent court appearance, prosecutor VV Hlatshwayo disclosed the charges against the five men and also announced the addition of money laundering charges to the previous indictments.
The courtroom was filled to capacity with journalists and relatives of the accused present. Notably absent from the proceedings were AKA’s father Tony Forbes, KZN police commissioner Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and Police Minister Bheki Cele.
Lt-General Mkhwanazi detailed the varying roles played by the seven suspects in the operation leading to the murders. He identified a coordinator, two shooters, two spotters, and individuals responsible for firearms and getaway vehicles.
The magistrate ruled that the accused individuals will remain in custody until the commencement of the bail hearing on Thursday, March 14. Legal representatives for the accused have expressed their intention to apply for bail, which the state plans to oppose due to the serious nature of the charges, including premeditated murder.
The accused will need to demonstrate exceptional circumstances to be considered for bail under South African law, particularly given the gravity of the allegations.
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