The Durban Magistrates Court has ruled against granting bail to the five men accused of the murder of South African artist Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and his celebrity chef friend, Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane.
Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande appeared in court on Wednesday to hear the verdict on their bail application.
The tragic incident occurred on February 10, 2023, when AKA and Tibz were fatally shot execution-style outside Wish restaurant on Durban’s Florida Road.
Presiding Judge Vincent Hlatshwayo delivered the verdict, emphasizing that granting bail would not serve the interest of justice. The court believes that the state has a strong case against the accused.
“It is the finding of this court that there is a case for the applicants to answer to. It would be reckless and irresponsible to allow the applicants out on bail. Therefore, in these circumstances, bail is refused for all five accused,” ruled Hlatshwayo.
Earlier this year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed the arrest of seven suspects linked to the murders. Contrary to reports from the Eswatini Times, SAPS dismissed claims that two of the suspects were detained in Eswatini.
KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi officially confirmed the truth of the matter, explaining that the first suspect was apprehended in April 2023. Meanwhile, brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, who were detained in Eswatini, remain in custody.
The case has been postponed to June 14 for arguments, and an additional affidavit has been filed by the National Director of Public Prosecutions, emphasizing the urgency of the matter .