In a major development in the investigation into the high-profile murders of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his close friend, chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, two central suspects have finally been returned to South Africa.
Brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, who were arrested in Eswatini, landed at King Shaka International Airport on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. This followed the approval of the extradition request by Eswatini authorities, clearing the way for them to face trial.
Legal Hurdles Cleared
The extradition process faced months of legal delay as the siblings initially opposed being sent back to South Africa, even citing fears for their personal safety. However, they recently withdrew their appeal, allowing the extradition order to be executed. A video shared by the South African Police Service (SAPS) showed the Ndimande brothers being escorted in leg irons under heavy security at King Mswati III International Airport before boarding a private jet.
Facing a Total of 24 Charges
The Ndimande brothers are facing a significant list of criminal charges connected to three separate, violent incidents across KwaZulu-Natal.
SAPS National Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the suspects will stand trial for a total of 24 charges, including:
- AKA and Tibz Murders: The high-profile killings of the rapper and the chef in Durban in February 2023, which carry approximately 11 charges.
- Taxi Boss Murder (2022): The murder of a taxi boss in Amanzimtoti in 2022, carrying five charges.
- Attempted Murder and Murder: The attempted murder of a taxi boss’s wife in Durban, as well as the murder of the taxi boss’s driver, carrying approximately eight charges.
Confident of Conviction
Police officials expressed high confidence in the strength of the case. Brigadier Mathe highlighted the significance of the extradition, noting that authorities believe one of the two Ndimande brothers was the gunman who pulled the trigger and killed AKA outside the Durban restaurant.
“We’re quite confident that the evidence that we have gathered is enough to really ensure a successful conviction. We can positively place them on the crime scene where AKA and Tibz died, as well as the matter of the taxi boss,” Mathe stated.
The trial proceedings against the Ndimande siblings are expected to commence in July 2026
