The murder case of Kiernan Jarryd Forbes (AKA) and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane has been postponed to August 13 for the finalisation of pre-trial proceedings, with trial dates set for October 5 to November 6.

The seven men accused of murdering the rapper and chef appeared together in the Durban High Court on Thursday, where the State said it was ready to proceed but some members of the defence team were not.

Appearing relaxed inside the dock, Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande, Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Dave Ndimande listened tentatively the State outlined the reasons that the trial would not be able to start in July.

State prosecutor Advocate Lawrence Gcaba told the court that the matter could not continue as planned. “The State is ready to go to trial but we cannot proceed with the matter. It is for the same reasons as before that we must now postpone pre-trial,” said Gcaba.

Defence advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa said they had been unable to adequately consult with the accused and their families due to restrictions at Kokstad C-Max Prison and the distance involved.

Also Read: AKA and Tibz murder case postponed

“The accused are allowed to make calls twice a week for 10 minutes and consultation is only allowed for 30 minutes. This has affected meeting with our clients and getting proper instruction,” said Mlotshwa. “We are also yet to make a trip to the families of the accused, who are far in northern KZN.”

An unimpressed Judge Thoba Poyo-Dlwati questioned why the issue had only been raised at a late stage. “Why was the court told at this late stage about these difficulties?” questioned Poyo-Dlwati. “Defence council has had plenty of time to consult. There was something more to the issue.”

It later emerged that some members of the defence team were involved in other court matters, limiting the time available to consult with their clients.

The accused face charges including conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of murder, multiple counts of attempted murder, and firearm- and ammunition-related offences linked to the fatal shooting of Forbes and Motsoane outside a Florida Road restaurant on February 10, 2023.

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