Ndimande brothers return to Durban custody

By Delisa Magagula

The long-awaited return of Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande to South Africa has marked a turning point in one of the country’s most high-profile murder investigations, the killing of rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and his close friend Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane.

The brothers, who were extradited from Eswatini, are now back in police custody in Durban after months of legal processes and diplomatic coordination between the two neighbouring countries.

The Ndimande brothers arrived at King Shaka International Airport under heavy police escort late Sunday evening. Their extradition was finalised following a ruling by the Eswatini High Court, which dismissed their final appeal to block transfer to South African authorities.

The pair had been held at Matsapha Correctional Facility since their arrest earlier this year. South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the two suspects are now under police custody in Durban, where they are expected to make a first court appearance in connection with the murder case later this week.

“The extradition process has now been concluded. The suspects are in South Africa and will appear before a court of law to answer to the charges related to the murders of Kiernan Forbes and Tebello Motsoane,” Mathe said.

Meanwhile, AKA’s father, Tony Forbes, has expressed relief at the latest development, describing it as a long-awaited moment for the family and for the public who have followed the case closely since February 2023.

“It has been a long and painful journey. We’ve had to live every day not knowing if those responsible would ever be brought back to face justice. Seeing this progress gives us some comfort, but the real closure will only come through the court process,” he said.

The case has drawn regional attention due to the cross-border nature of the investigation. The Ndimande brothers were arrested in Mbabane after police traced them through cooperation between the SAPS and the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS).

Their extradition marks the first major criminal handover between the two nations since the signing of their updated bilateral agreement on mutual legal assistance.

Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KwaZulu-Natal’s Provincial Police Commissioner, who has overseen the investigation from its earliest stages, said the return of the brothers will strengthen the prosecution’s case.

“Our focus has always been to ensure that everyone involved in the planning and execution of this crime is accounted for. The extradition of the Ndimande brothers means we can now consolidate all evidence and proceed toward prosecution.”

Kiernan AKA Forbes and his long-time friend, celebrity chef and entrepreneur Tebello Tibz Motsoane, were shot dead outside Wish Restaurant on Florida Road, Durban, on February 10, 2023. CCTV footage of the incident, showing two gunmen approaching and firing at close range, spread widely online, sparking national outrage and grief.

The police investigation later identified multiple suspects, alleging a coordinated hit involving spotters, shooters, and getaway drivers.

Six men were previously arrested in connection with the killings, and authorities have stated that the Ndimande brothers are believed to have played key roles in the orchestration of the attack.

According to court documents filed earlier this year, the Ndimande brothers allegedly fled to Eswatini within days of the murder.

They were arrested in March following an international manhunt and had since been fighting extradition through local courts in Mbabane, claiming fears for their safety.

Eswatini’s Ministry of Justice confirmed last week that all procedural requirements for extradition had been met, paving the way for their transfer to South African authorities.

“The government of Eswatini has acted in accordance with the law and the principles of cooperation between states. This was a sensitive case, but justice must take its course,” said the Ministry at the time.

While the case progresses, Tony Forbes has continued to urge the public to remain patient and allow the courts to do their work. He has consistently emphasised that the family seeks justice, not revenge.

“ We have always trusted the justice system. Our family has gone through unimaginable pain, but we believe in letting the truth come out in court. We just want accountability, nothing more, nothing less,” he said.

Forbes also thanked the public for their continued support and solidarity, noting that his son’s legacy continues to inspire fans across the continent.

“AKA was more than just a musician. He was a son, a father, a friend, and a proud South African. Seeing how many people still care about him and want to see justice done gives us strength,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Durban, residents gathered outside the courthouse early Tuesday morning, expressing relief at the news of the brothers’ return. Some said they had lost faith that the suspects would ever be extradited.

Durban local Sanele Dlamini, who witnessed the police convoy passing through the CBD, said the sight brought back memories of the night the rapper was killed.

The Ndimande brothers are expected to face multiple charges, including premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and unlawful possession of firearms. They are likely to be joined to the existing case involving six other suspects already in custody.

Police sources say additional arrests cannot be ruled out, as investigations into the financial trail behind the alleged contract killing continue. Authorities have not yet confirmed who allegedly ordered the hit.