Relief and happiness was the overall mood in the room for the media in the packed Durban High Court on Wednesday (October 7), following the easing of some directives by the judge in relation to the coverage of the trial of the late hip hop artist Kiernan Jarryd “AKA” Forbes and his friend, chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.

Judge Nomfundo Sipunzi issued amended directives to the media following the strict terms and conditions ironed out on Monday, at the commencement of the trial.

Also read: AKA and Tibz murder trial takes a turn as court separates cases

Sipunzi said that:

– All accredited media houses and other forms of media are permitted to attend, observe, report on and broadcast the trial proceedings.

– Media representatives may publish or broadcast the evidence of witnesses while testifying and any exhibits admitted or tendered as part of the trial record, however no media coverage shall disclose the identities or personal particulars of any witness called by either the State or the defense.

– All video cameras, filming equipment and audio recording devices shall remain stationary and shall be positioned in a manner that does not disrupt the proceedings or distract participants.

The previous ruling that was laid out on Monday at the commencement of the sitting prevented the media from revealing the identities or personal details of witnesses summoned by the state or the defense, and they were also barred from publishing or broadcasting the evidence of witnesses while they are testifying or any exhibits admitted or tendered in as part of the trial record, unless otherwise authorised by the court.

Forbes and Motsoane died in February 2023 after a shooting outside the Wish restaurant on Florida Road.

Suspects Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Mkhwanazi, Malusi Dave Ndimande and Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande face charges of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and firearm and ammunition-related charges.

Myeza faces additional charges of two counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and the theft of a motor vehicle linked to a murder case of a taxi boss, which occured in Mayville in Durban in 2022.

The suspects have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Yesterday, an application was made by Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi on behalf of himself and five other accused, requesting that their matter be heard separately from that of Myeza. They cited time and financial constraints as causes for concern. This application was granted by Sipunzi.

The trial continues.

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