By Dylan Bettencourt
- Siyabonga Gezani and Malusi Dave Ndimande end appeal against extradition from eSwatini to face trial in South Africa.
- Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says the extradition moves forward, bringing hope of justice for the families of AKA and Tibz.
Two of the men accused of killing rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane have dropped their legal fight against being extradited to South Africa.
Siyabonga Gezani and Malusi Dave Ndimande were arrested in eSwatini and had appealed a court ruling that allowed their extradition. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said the pair have now withdrawn that appeal, bringing them closer to standing trial in South Africa.
The brothers face charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and offences under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. They are also linked to other separate cases.
So far, five suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of AKA and Tibz, who were shot dead outside a Durban restaurant in February 2023.
Kubayi praised cooperation between South African and eSwatini police, saying the extradition could finally bring closure to the victims’ families.
The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed that eSwatini officials submitted a notice of abandonment, officially dropping opposition to the extradition.
But the case has not been without controversy. Last month, suspended senior police officer Shadrack Sibiya told Parliament that tensions flared within SAPS during the murder investigation, with even former police minister Bheki Cele questioning if the right suspects had been arrested.
Speculation has also continued around the 2021 death of AKA’s fiancée Anele Tembe. Cele said police have not ruled out murder in that case.
Pictured above: The two suspects.
Image source: @Am_Blujay
