The seven men accused of murdering award-winning rapper AKA, born Kiernan Forbes, and his close friend, businessman Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, have been transferred to the high-maximum security eBongweni Prison in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal.
According to Eyewitness News (EWN), the transfer took place earlier this year, with the accused being moved from Durban’s Westville Prison under tight security. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the reasons behind the relocation, but the move is understood to have been made at the request of the state.
eBongweni Prison is regarded as one of South Africa’s most secure correctional facilities, equipped with advanced surveillance systems and designed to house high-risk and dangerous inmates, including convicted murderers and organised crime suspects.
AKA and Motsoane were fatally shot on 10 February 2023 outside Wish Restaurant on Florida Road in Durban. The brazen attack, which occurred in a busy public area, sent shockwaves across the country and sparked widespread calls for justice.
The rapper, whose real name was Kiernan Forbes, was one of South Africa’s most influential hip-hop artists, while Motsoane was a well-known entrepreneur in the entertainment and hospitality space. Both men were declared dead at the scene after being shot multiple times.
AKA Murder Case: Extensive Investigation
Following an extensive investigation, the seven accused were arrested nearly a year later, in February 2024. The state alleges the killing was a premeditated hit, involving multiple suspects who played different roles, including alleged triggermen, spotters and facilitators.
The accused face charges that include two counts of murder, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The state has previously indicated that it will oppose bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and concerns about public safety.
Meanwhile, two of the accused, Siyabonga Ndimande and Malusi Ndimande, have appeared in camera, meaning their court proceedings were held behind closed doors. Such hearings are typically reserved for sensitive matters, including cases involving witness safety or national security concerns.
The case remains before the courts as investigations continue, with the nation still closely watching developments in one of South Africa’s most high-profile murder trials.
