Durban court refuses bail for 5 suspects in AKA-Tibz murder case

The bail requests of five out of the seven men apprehended in connection with the killing of musician Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his celebrity chef friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane have been rejected.

Judge Vincent Hlatshwayo issued the bail decision at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

5 accused on AKA-Tibz denied bail

Forbes and Motsoane tragically lost their lives after being shot outside the now-defunct Durban restaurant, Wish, on 10 February 2023.

Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Ndimande, who were apprehended in connection with the homicide, will continue to be held in custody at Westville Prison.

These individuals face charges including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, five charges of attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and money laundering.

Additionally, they have other ongoing legal matters that are separate from this case.

Bail Application Judgement Awaited for Five Accused in AKA-Tibz Murder Trial

Following their arrest in February, the five accused have been endeavouring to obtain bail for several months.

On Wednesday, the Durban Magistrates Court is set to announce its decision regarding the bail application of the five individuals accused of the murder of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.

The group has been behind bars since they were arrested in February.

According to Eyewitness News, over the past few months, the accused have been striving to secure bail, although the State is contesting their request.

During previous court proceedings, details emerged regarding the alleged roles of each accused in connection with the homicides.

According to the State’s assertions, rapper AKA was targeted and followed from the airport, purportedly by the fourth accused, Mziwethemba Gwabeni. 

It is further alleged that Gwabeni acted as the coordinator, facilitating a payment of over R130,000 to another charged after completing the task. 

Gwabeni, however, refutes any connection between the money and the alleged hit.

After hearing arguments from both the State and the defence during the bail application, the magistrate will deliver a judgment on the application.

The State argued that it was in the interest of justice for five out of the seven men accused of the murder of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibs” Motsoane to be denied bail.

On Wednesday, the State presented evidence in the Durban Magistrates Court to support its stance that bail should be denied to the men.

During the court session on Wednesday, Senior State prosecutor Advocate Elvis Gcweka informed the court that five out of the seven men accused of the murders would not experience any financial detriment as a result of their incarceration.