AKA-Tibz murder trial delayed again as judge expresses frustration
via The Citizen3 min read
The murder trial of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and businessman Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane has been postponed, with the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban granting more time for pre-trial matters. All seven accused, including Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimane, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Mkhwanazi, Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande, and Malusi Dave Ndimande, appeared together for the first time on June 11. The Ndimande brothers were recently extradited from eSwatini. The defense cited difficulties in preparing for the trial, including restricted consultation times at eBongweni Correctional Centre, where three clients are held, and limited telephonic communication. Advocate Simphiwe Cyril Mlotshwa requested his clients be transferred to Westville Correctional Centre for more effective consultation. Presiding Judge Thoba Poyo-Dlwati expressed frustration over the delays, questioning why these issues were not raised earlier. The state prosecutor, Lawrence Gcaba, revealed that the defense had contacted the Department of Correctional Services regarding detention conditions and threatened legal action. The matter has been postponed to August 13 to finalize the pre-trial conference, with the trial now scheduled to run from October 5 to November 8, 2026. The accused face charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, illegal firearms and ammunition offenses, and money laundering for four of the men. Five accused were denied
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
Four academics and activists have launched Vuka Azania, a new advocacy group calling for a discussion on changing South Africa's name. The group proposes "Azania" as an alternative, reviving a name associated with liberation movements during apartheid. Reverend Dr Allan Boesak, senior counsel Dr Muzi Sikhakhane, Professor Isaac Shai, and Arthur Fraser launched the movement in Sandton. Sikhakhane clarified that Vuka Azania is not a political party. Boesak argued that the country's colonial history has led to a "spiritual degradation of the African people" and that the colonial name "South Africa" cannot encompass the memory, pain, struggle, and destiny of indigenous people. He stated that a liberated people must name themselves to restore dignity and that Vuka Azania will advocate for a decolonized post-colonial constitution. Sikhakhane emphasized the need for a "grand discussion" on the country's future, aiming for a black people's convention to discuss their condition and destiny.
Western Cape police have arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of Democratic Alliance DA councillor Sinovuyo Dyokwe. Dyokwe was shot dead near Dunoon on June 20 after campaigning for voter registration. The Serious Violent Crime Investigation unit and Special Task Force made the arrest on Saturday in Parklands. The South African Police Service Saps stated that Dyokwe was followed out of Dunoon by two armed suspects, with the arrested individual allegedly orchestrating the attack. Investigations revealed Dyokwe was being extorted for protection money and was targeted after refusing to comply. Police seized the vehicle allegedly used in the crime and seven cellular phones. The 37-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday to face charges of murder and extortion. Saps indicated that further arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues. In a separate incident, a 38-year-old foreign national was arrested in the Free State for the fatal stabbing of a woman at a tavern near Stilte Park. The suspect is expected in the Virginia Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges of murder, contravention of the Immigration Act, and possession of a dangerous weapon.
The African Transformation Movement ATM and Vuyo Zungula have filed an urgent direct appeal to the Constitutional Court, requesting a review of a Western Cape High Court ruling. The High Court had granted President Cyril Ramaphosa an interim order to pause his impeachment inquiry, stemming from the Section 89 panel's report on the Phala Phala matter, until his challenge to the report is decided. Ramaphosa's review aims to overturn the report's conclusion that he has questions to answer regarding funds stolen from his farm in 2020. Zungula argues that the High Court's decision creates uncertainty regarding the Constitutional Court's authority, particularly whether a lower court can suspend the implementation of a Constitutional Court order. He emphasized the need for clarity on the constitutional relationship between the judiciary and Parliament, the separation of powers, and the supremacy of the Constitution. Zungula also noted that the High Court's decision was not unanimous and that the ruling does not exonerate the President. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, speaking at an ANC rally, urged critics to respect judicial decisions, regardless of whether they are favorable. The Presidency welcomed the High Court's judgment, reiterating Ramaphosa's commitment to due process and respect for judicial independence.