The ongoing trial into the murders of South African rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his close friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane continues to attract national attention, with questions surrounding an alleged R10 million hit adding to the public debate.
Seven men are facing charges in connection with the fatal shooting of the two men in Durban in February 2023. As proceedings continue at the Durban High Court, the State has presented evidence relating to alleged surveillance, movements before the shooting and financial transactions that investigators believe warrant scrutiny.
However, the widely circulated R10 million figure has not been established as a proven payment for the killings in the terms described online. The distinction between allegations, social media speculation and evidence presented in court remains crucial as the case unfolds.
Financial Transactions Under Scrutiny in AKA Murder Case
One of the key issues attracting attention is a reported payment of more than R800,000 into the account of accused Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni around the time of the killings.
The transaction has raised questions about the movement and purpose of the money. The State has reportedly scrutinised the payment as part of its broader case, while the defence maintains that it was connected to a legitimate business transaction.
The financial trail has fuelled public speculation about whether money changed hands in connection with the attack and who, if anyone, may have financed it.
Nevertheless, the reported transaction does not, on its own, establish that a murder-for-hire arrangement existed or identify anyone who may have commissioned the killings.
The widely shared R10 million claim should therefore be treated cautiously unless further evidence presented in court establishes its relevance to the case.
CCTV Footage Allegedly Tracks AKA’s Movements
Surveillance footage has also featured in the proceedings, with the State reportedly presenting recordings showing the movements of individuals accused of involvement in the killings.
According to the allegations outlined in court, footage tracked one of the accused following AKA from King Shaka International Airport, with surveillance continuing as the rapper travelled through toll gates and visited hotels and restaurants.
The prosecution alleges that these movements formed part of a coordinated operation that culminated in the shooting outside Wish restaurant on Florida Road on 10 February 2023.
AKA and Tibz were both fatally shot in the incident, sending shockwaves through South Africa’s music and entertainment industries.
The surveillance evidence is expected to form part of the State’s broader effort to establish what happened before the shooting and whether the accused acted together.
Seven Men Face Charges in the High-Profile Case
Seven men are standing trial in connection with the murders:
- Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi
- Lindani Zenzele Ndimande
- Siyanda Eddie Myeza
- Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni
- Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande
- Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande
- Malusi Dave Ndimande
The accused have pleaded not guilty to charges that include conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of murder, attempted murder and firearm-related offences.
As the trial progresses, the court will have to assess the evidence presented by the prosecution alongside the defence’s responses. The charges and allegations have not yet been proved against the accused.
Ballistics and Witness Testimony Form Part of the State’s Case
Ballistics evidence has reportedly been presented linking firearms recovered from some of the accused to the Florida Road shooting and an earlier killing involving a taxi boss in 2022.
Witness testimony has also formed part of the proceedings. Some witnesses have reportedly testified virtually because of safety concerns.
The prosecution has indicated that it intends to call approximately 45 witnesses as it builds its case.
The evidence is expected to address several aspects of the investigation, including the alleged movements of the accused, the weapons under examination and the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
However, the strength and significance of individual pieces of evidence will ultimately be determined through the court process.
Who Allegedly Ordered AKA’s Killing?
One of the biggest questions surrounding the case is whether the person who allegedly commissioned the killings has been identified and whether the prosecution can establish a connection between any alleged financial arrangements and the attack.
The R10 million figure has generated widespread discussion on social media, but speculation about the alleged payment and the identity of a possible mastermind must not be confused with established court findings.
Financial records, surveillance footage and witness accounts may help investigators reconstruct the events leading up to the shooting. Whether that evidence establishes who planned or financed the attack remains a matter for the proceedings.
The distinction is particularly important in a case involving serious criminal allegations and multiple accused persons who have pleaded not guilty.
AKA and Tibz’s Deaths Continue to Leave Questions
AKA was one of South Africa’s most influential hip-hop artists, building a successful career through music, fashion and business ventures. His catalogue included popular songs such as “All Eyes on Me” and “Lemons”.
Tibz was also a recognised figure in the entertainment industry, and his death alongside AKA had a profound impact on their families, friends, colleagues and supporters.
Their killings prompted widespread calls for justice and renewed public concern about violent crime in South Africa.
The ongoing trial represents an important step in the legal process as the court examines the allegations and evidence surrounding the case.
What Happens Next in the AKA Murder Trial?
As proceedings continue at the Durban High Court, attention will remain focused on the State’s evidence and the defence’s challenges to the allegations.
The financial transactions under scrutiny, the reported surveillance activities and the ballistics evidence could all play a role in the court’s assessment of the case.
For now, the R10 million claim remains a subject of public discussion rather than an established finding in the terms circulating online. The question of who, if anyone, commissioned the killings has not been conclusively answered in the material described here.
South Africa will continue to follow the proceedings closely as the court works towards determining the facts and the criminal responsibility, if any, of those accused.
The central question remains: will the evidence presented in court ultimately reveal the full circumstances surrounding the murders of AKA and Tibz?
