By Rorisang Modiba
Businessman Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, 36, one of the accused in the murder of rapper AKA and Tabello “Tibz” Motsoane on Durban’s Florida Road last year, denied that R800,000 paid into his business account was for the murder.
In court in Durban, he claimed the money was for consulting services, received from a company he had prior dealings with.
Gwabeni, along with Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande, are facing two counts of murder, conspiracy to murder, illegal possession of weapons and ammunition, five counts of attempted murder, and money laundering.
Gwabeni stated in his bail affidavit, which was presented in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
He said the allegation, certainly as stated in the media, is that he received R800 000.00 the day that the deceased was killed and that he transferred R133,000 to Lindokuhle Ndimande.
“Once again, the state is relying upon coincidence,” said the affidavit.
“I do not know anyone by the name of Sphamandla Ngcobo. The R803,000 was paid to me by a reputable company, whom I have done business with before. Our business relationship goes back as early as three years back.”
He said the investigations will reveal that this was not a once-off payment as alleged.
Gwabeni, a Durban University of Technology graduate insists the payments were legitimate business transactions with “Gwabs Miningi owned by accused Gwabeni” and challenges the State to examine his bank statements, IOL reports.
“I did indeed transfer the money as alleged as I had not paid the individuals concerned for some time. The nature of my work is that the supply of money is not always constant and regular but goes through lean months and prosperous months,” Gwabeni said.
The case will continue on 27 March when the State presents its evidence for the bail hearing.
The two brothers Siyanbonga and Malusi Ndimande arrested in Eswatini in connection with the killings of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane are set to appear in the Manzini Magistrates Court today, 20 March.
Pictured above: AKA accused
Image source: File
