Five out of the seven men implicated in the murder case of renowned South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA, and his close friend, celebrity chef and entrepreneur Tebello “Tibz” Motshoane, have made their first appearance in court.
The court proceedings, broadcasted live on several South African television channels, unfolded with the accused entering the dock, their faces concealed.
The prosecutor listed a total of 10 charges, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The tragic incident occurred a year ago when AKA and Motshoane were fatally shot outside a restaurant in the coastal city of Durban, sending shockwaves through South Africa, a nation grappling with a high crime rate.
Present in the courtroom were AKA’s father, Tony Forbes, Police Minister Bheki Cele, and the province’s police commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The state, however, requested a postponement citing the need for further investigation, intending to include two additional suspects recently apprehended in Eswatini.
The prosecutor revealed that the extradition process for the newly detained suspects was underway, although the timeline remained uncertain, possibly extending over several months.
During the court appearance, the accused remained silent, but their legal representatives announced their intention to apply for bail, a move contested by the state.
AKA’s father, Tony Forbes, expressed his determination to confront the alleged perpetrators. “I want to look them in the eye,” he told the eNCA news channel, emphasizing the importance of discovering those responsible and ensuring appropriate punishment. Forbes also commented on the accused covering their faces, stating, “we should be able to see who they are.”
Following a break in the court proceedings, the five accused were ordered to remove their face coverings, allowing for a clearer identification.
The case has now been adjourned until next week, with the nation closely following the unfolding legal proceedings surrounding this high-profile murder case.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
Follow us on:
