Brothers Extradited From Eswatini Appear In Court Over 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 two brothers, who were extradited from Eswatini after nearly two years of resisting their return, appeared before Durban Magistrate Irfan Khalil on Tuesday. They arrived under tight security, escorted in leg irons by heavily armed police and Interpol officers.

Their appearance attracted a packed courtroom filled with media representatives, human rights observers, and KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. While Malusi is represented by Advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, Siyabonga is being defended by Sibusiso Dlamini.

The defence sought time to consult privately with their clients in a secure environment, a request granted by Magistrate Khalil. The case has since been adjourned until November 25.

Following the court session, Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi commended the investigative team for their persistence. “It has brought us to this courtroom. Now we see the next phase of justice,” he said, noting that police are still probing who orchestrated and financed the double murder.

The extradition process from Eswatini required close coordination with local authorities. The brothers were flown to King Shaka International Airport under tight security before being formally charged by investigating officer Kumarasan Pillay.

Several other suspects, including Thabani Mkhwanazi and Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, have already made prior court appearances. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), pre-trial proceedings are scheduled for June 19, 2026, with the trial set to run from July 20 to August 21, and a follow-up sitting expected in October.

The NPA further confirmed that the brothers had withdrawn their appeal against the extradition order, clearing the way for their transfer back to South Africa to face trial.