In a significant development in the case involving the killings of musician Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, the bail requests of five out of the seven apprehended individuals have been denied.
Judge Vincent Hlatshwayo delivered the bail decision at the Durban Magistrate’s Court, reinforcing the seriousness of the charges against the accused.
Details of the Incident and Charges
The tragic deaths of Forbes and Motsoane occurred outside a former Durban restaurant on February 10, 2023.
The accused, including Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Ndimande, are facing various charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, attempted murder, possession of firearms and ammunition, and money laundering.
They are currently held at Westville Prison and also face separate legal proceedings.
Efforts to Obtain Bail
Since their arrest in February, the five accused have been seeking bail, a process that has stretched over several months.
Despite their efforts, the court has upheld the State’s argument against granting bail, emphasizing the gravity of the charges and the potential risks involved.
Court Proceedings and Arguments
During previous court sessions, details emerged regarding the alleged roles of each accused in the homicides.
The State presented evidence suggesting that rapper AKA was targeted and followed from the airport, with Gwabeni allegedly acting as a coordinator in facilitating payments.
However, Gwabeni denies any involvement in the alleged hit.
State’s Argument Against Bail
The State has vehemently opposed the bail applications, citing concerns about public safety and the severity of the charges.
Senior State prosecutor Advocate Elvis Gcweka argued that the accused would not suffer any financial hardship due to their incarceration, reinforcing the decision to deny bail.
Awaiting Judgment and Further Legal Proceedings
The magistrate is expected to deliver a judgment on the bail application following the arguments presented by both the State and the defense.
Meanwhile, the case continues to unfold, underscoring the complexities and seriousness of the charges faced by the accused individuals.
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