Ndimande Brothers Finally Face Court Over Singer, AKA and Tibz Murders

Malusi and Siyabonga Ndimande have finally appeared before a South African court in connection with the 2023 murders of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.

The brothers, extradited from Eswatini after nearly two years of resisting their return, were brought before Durban Magistrate Irfan Khalil on Tuesday under tight police and Interpol security.

They arrived in leg irons as media personnel, human rights observers, and KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi packed the courtroom.

Malusi is being represented by advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, while Siyabonga’s counsel is Sibusiso Dlamini. The defence requested time to consult privately with their clients, which Magistrate Khalil granted. The case has been adjourned until November 25.

Following the hearing, Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi commended investigators for their persistence, stating, “It has brought us to this courtroom. Now we see the next phase of justice.” He also revealed that investigations continue into identifying those who financed and coordinated the high-profile k+llings

The extradition operation required close collaboration with Eswatini authorities. The brothers were flown to King Shaka International Airport under heightened security before being officially charged by investigating officer Kumarasan Pillay.

Other suspects, including Thabani Mkhwanazi and Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, have already appeared in court. Pre-trial proceedings are set for June 19, 2026, with the main trial scheduled from July 20 to August 21, followed by an October session.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that the Ndimande brothers withdrew their appeal against extradition, clearing the final obstacle to their return to South Africa to face trial.