The long-awaited trial over the murders of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane has finally started.
Seven men appeared before the Durban High Court on Monday, 5 October.
Their appearance marks a major step in the case that has gripped South Africa for years.
The State is expected to call around 45 witnesses during the proceedings.
Prosecutors will present evidence linked to the alleged planning and execution of the two murders.
The accused face several charges, including murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
They also face attempted murder and various firearm-related charges.
The seven accused are Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi and Lindani Zenzele Ndimande.
Siyanda Eddie Myeza and Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni are also on trial.
The remaining accused are Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande, Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Dave Ndimande.
What happened to AKA and Tibz?
AKA and Tibz died after a shooting on Durban’s Florida Road on 10 February 2023.
The pair had visited Wish Restaurant before the fatal attack.
Gunmen approached them outside the venue before opening fire.
CCTV cameras captured crucial moments surrounding the shooting.
Investigators have previously identified AKA as the suspected primary target.
However, Tibz also died after becoming caught in the shooting.
Their deaths triggered an extensive investigation involving authorities in South Africa and Eswatini.
Police eventually arrested several suspects in February 2024.
Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande were arrested in Eswatini during the investigation.
South African authorities later secured their extradition and returned them to face the case.
All seven accused remain in custody as the trial gets underway.
AKA and Tibz families await answers
AKA’s father, Tony Forbes, attended the Durban High Court for the proceedings.
He has previously discussed the lasting impact of his son’s death on their family.
“The trauma is still there,” he said ahead of proceedings.
Tibz’s father, Sylvester Motsoane, also attended court as the trial began.
Both families have waited more than three years for the case to reach this stage.
However, the road to trial has been far from straightforward.
The extradition process involving the Ndimande brothers contributed to significant delays.
The case also passed through lengthy pre-trial proceedings before becoming trial-ready.
The first stage of the trial is scheduled to continue until 6 November 2026.
Further proceedings are expected to take place during 2027.
The State will now begin presenting evidence against the seven accused.
However, none of the accused has been convicted.
They remain innocent unless the court ultimately finds them guilty.
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