Brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, who are alleged to have played a central role in the 2023 murders of award-winning rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, are set to be moved to the high-security eBongweni Super Max Correctional Facility in Kokstad. The transfer comes as their high-profile criminal case continues to unfold in the Durban Magistrate’s Court.
The two brothers made a brief appearance in court on Friday via video link, appearing from a separate holding room. Proceedings were short, with the magistrate postponing the matter to 4 March 2026. This marked their third court appearance since being extradited from Eswatini in November 2025, following months of cross-border legal processes to secure their return to South Africa.
Authorities believe the Ndimande brothers were instrumental in planning and coordinating the fatal shooting of AKA and Tibz, who were gunned down outside a Durban restaurant in February 2023. The murders shocked the country and the entertainment industry, prompting an extensive investigation that eventually led to the arrest of several suspects, including the two brothers.
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In addition to the charges related to the AKA and Tibz killings, Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande are also facing multiple other serious charges. Among them is a separate murder charge linked to the killing of a taxi boss in Amanzimtoti. Prosecutors argue that the severity and number of charges justify their placement in a maximum-security facility, citing concerns around safety, possible interference with investigations, and the risk of escape.
During court proceedings, the defence team, led by Advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, raised concerns about their ability to adequately represent their clients. Mlotshwa told the court that the defence has not yet received crucial documentation related to the brothers’ extradition from the Kingdom of Eswatini. According to the defence, these extradition records are essential for taking “proper instructions” from the accused and for assessing whether all legal processes were correctly followed.
The state did not oppose the postponement, acknowledging the importance of ensuring that all relevant documents are made available to the defence. The court agreed that the matter could not proceed substantively until the outstanding paperwork is obtained and reviewed.
The planned transfer to eBongweni Super Max reflects the seriousness with which correctional services are treating the case. The Kokstad facility is known for housing some of the country’s most dangerous and high-risk inmates, offering heightened security and limited contact with the outside world.
As the case continues, public interest remains high, with many South Africans closely following developments in what is considered one of the most significant criminal cases in recent years. The next court appearance in March is expected to provide further clarity on the extradition issues, the status of the charges, and the future direction of the trial.
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