South African State Opposes Bail for Suspects in AKA and Tibz Motsoane Murder Case

The South African state is opposing the release on bail of five suspects charged with the February 2023 murders of rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and his friend Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane. The accused, who appeared in the Durban Magistrates Court this week, face multiple charges including murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Why this matters: The high-profile murder case has sparked widespread outrage and concern about the safety of celebrities and the general public in South Africa. The outcome of this case may have implications for the country's justice system and its ability to hold perpetrators accountable for violent crimes.

Senior state prosecutor Lawrence Gcaba presented arguments on Friday for why the suspects should not be granted bail. Gcaba questioned the legitimacy of a payment of over R800,000 made to accused number four, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, allegedly for coordinating the hit. "If I work as a driver, the other one a security and the other one a mechanic, equal amounts of money? I'm owing all of you equal amounts of money? It doesn't make sense," Gcaba stated.

The prosecution also presented evidence from bank and phone records showing that Gwabeni allegedly followed AKA from the airport on the day of the murder. CCTV footage showed a grey BMW, linked to Gwabeni, tailing AKA's car from the airport to the Wish restaurant on Florida Road in Durban, where the shooting took place. "At the time, the deceased is leaving the airport, applicant four pays three or four minutes after that for parking lot getting out, with a virtual card," Gcaba told the court.

Defense lawyers argued there was no reason their clients should not be granted bail, citing delays in the investigation since the murders occurred over a year ago in February 2023. They said their clients have strong community ties and are not flight risks. Gwabeni's lawyer stated his client received the R800,000 payment from a Durban businessman for legitimate services.

Presiding Judge Vincent Hlatshwayo expressed frustration with the slow progress of the case, urging the state to proceed to trial within four to five months. Two additional suspects arrested in Eswatini, brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, are still awaiting extradition to South Africa. The bail hearing was adjourned to May 15, when Magistrate Hlatshwayo is expected to deliver his ruling on the suspects' bail applications.

Key Takeaways

• 5 suspects charged with murder of rapper AKA and friend Tibz in Feb 2023.
• State opposes bail, citing strong evidence, including bank and phone records.
• Prosecution questions legitimacy of R800,000 payment to accused number four.
• Defense argues for bail, citing community ties and no flight risk.
• Bail hearing adjourned to May 15, with trial expected within 4-5 months.