AKA and Tibz murder trial takes a turn as court separates cases
The AKA and Tibz murder trial has taken a new turn after the Durban High Court granted an application for the cases to be heard separately.
The suspects in the AKA murder trial stand to face the music separately.
This comes after accused number one, Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi, brought forward an application on Tuesday, October 6, on behalf of himself and his co-accused, requesting for their case to be separated from that of Siyanda Eddie Myeza (Accused number 3).
Myeza faces additional charges of two counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and the theft of a motor vehicle, linked to the murder case of Gift Khanyile in 2022 in Mayville, Durban.
Also read: VIDEO: AKA’s father pleased that son’s murder trial is underway
The seven accused, Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Mkhwanazi, Malusi Dave Ndimande and Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande face joint charges of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and firearm and ammunition-related charges relating to the murder case of South African hip hop artist Jarryd “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
The duo met their untimely demise in February 10, 2023, following a shooting outside of the now defunct Wish restaurant on Florida Road.
The suspects have all since pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
The court initially consolidated the case against Myeza with that of AKA and Motsoane, citing a link between the evidence.
The accused, through their representatives, argued that addressing their matter jointly with Myeza could drag the case for even longer than it should, adding that proceedings involving him alone did not require them to be a part of it, and that it would ultimately have negative implications for them financially and personally.
In the application, Mkhwanazi drew comparison to the trial of the late Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa, citing that the matter would go longer than necessary.
Meanwhile an affidavit read in court, written by Warrant Officer Kumarasan Pillay of the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, indicated that there was a link between the two cases and that ballistic evidence showed such, adding that this would be further clarified by the witnesses yet to testify.
After much deliberation, Judge Nomfundo Sipunzi granted the separation of the trials.
“The reasons that underly this decision shall be shared at the conclusion of the trial,” the judge said.
Although the reasons were not clearly indicated, ordinary members of the public were abruptly requested to exit the courtroom, while Sipunzi cited a security concern.
The accused are remanded in custody and are expected to return to court tomorrow for further proceedings.
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