The Ndimande brothers have landed in South Africa, marking a significant step in the investigation into the murders of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane. Extradited from Eswatini, they now face charges related to the tragic Durban shooting in 2023.
But as the legal process unfolds, a crucial question remains: who commissioned the hit? Tony Forbes, AKA's father, voiced this burning concern as the Ndimande brothers arrived under heavy police guard at King Shaka International Airport. “We must not forget that the person who commissioned this is not among the seven who have now been arrested,” Forbes stated to eNCA. “So my question, not necessarily to them but to everyone, is: Who commissioned this and who’s behind it?”
Forbes expressed a sense of satisfaction that the case has reached this stage after a lengthy extradition process. He hopes that when the trial commences, all seven suspects will be present, particularly the brother allegedly responsible for pulling the trigger.
Police Focus on the Mastermind
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi confirmed that with all seven suspects now in the country, the police are intensifying their efforts to identify the mastermind behind the alleged hit. The investigation is focusing on the money trail, specifically the account used to disburse funds to the accused, including payments exceeding R130,000 made by Mziwethemba Gwabeni.
“That person had paid the entire group after the job, but he used his bank account to transfer money and that is a business account that he used,” Mkhwanazi explained. “But we are investigating further the linkages of his business account with other partners that he has who transferred money into that business account.”
Police are meticulously examining the business interests and financial connections of Gwabeni, aiming to uncover who might have instructed him to coordinate the operation. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities committed to bringing all those involved in the murders of AKA and Tibz to justice.
What's Next?
- The Ndimande brothers appeared before the Durban Magistrates Court on Tuesday afternoon.
- Police are analyzing financial records and business relationships to identify the mastermind.
- The trial is expected to be a complex and closely watched legal proceeding.