AKA, Tibz murder accused appoint former prosecutions boss as their lawyer
The pretrial hearing for the five accused of the murders of South African rapper Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes and his friend Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane, have been postponed.
The five stand accused of murder and money laundering.
The accused will be represented by a former KZN deputy director of public prosecutions who turned defence advocate.
The pretrial hearing of five men accused of the murder of multi-award-winning South African rapper Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes and his friend Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane have been postponed to June.
AKA was gunned down on 10 February 2023 along with Motsoane on Durban's Florida Road.
Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, 30, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, 35, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, 21, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, 37, and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande, 29, appeared briefly in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban on Thursday. Their pretrial was, however, adjourned after an agreement reached between the State and the defence.
KwaZulu-Natal Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions advocate Lawrence Gcaba told the court that the accused's legal representative advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, was unavailable as he was in the Supreme Court of Appeal in Eswatini representing the two other accused, Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Dave Ndimande, in their extradition hearing.
'All five of the accused will now be represented by Mlotshwa. Due to him being in Eswatini by arrangement, may the matter be adjourned to 12 June,' asked Gcaba.
Previously, in the Durban case, Mlotshwa only represented Mkhwanazi and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande while Myeza was represented by Yolanda Gielink, and advocate Joe Wolmarans represented Gwabeni and Lindani Zenzele Ndimande.
Mlotshwa, who now represents all five accused, is a former Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal.
The accused face 12 counts including two murders, conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, five attempted murders, and money laundering.
The State alleges that Gwabs Mining, owned by accused Gwabeni, received an amount of R803 455 on the pretext that it was for the services of a consultant when in fact it had been for AKA's murder.
Gwabeni allegedly transferred over R100 000 into each of the accused's bank accounts, including that of Ndimande, who is currently in eSwatini, fighting extradition.
It emerged during the accused's bail application that the money was paid by a company, Bright Circle, into Gwabeni's FNB account a day after the murder and investigations uncovered that Sydney to Mfunda Gcaba was the sole director of Bright Circle and that cellphone records show that before the money was deposited, Gwabeni made a call to a number linked to Gcaba.
Outside court, National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara explained that in August last year, the Manzini Magistrate's Court in Eswatini had issued an order for the Ndimande brothers to be extradited, but they filed a notice to appeal this.
However, the prosecution team believed that the brother's notice should be null and void because it was filed out of time and made an application regarding that.
'In November last year, the High Court ruled that the two brothers filed within the time, and today the prosecution is taking that on appeal in the SCA in Eswatini.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
42 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Countdown to Terror: New Book 'Murder.net' Delivers Gripping Cyber-Thriller for the Dark Web Era
When murders are livestreamed for paying viewers, every second counts. is a chilling thriller about the dark web's deadly side. WEST PALM BEACH, FL, UNITED STATES, May 30, 2025 / / -- A chilling new thriller pulls readers deep into the darkest corners of the internet. - Countdown to The Next Nightmare by author John Colascione is a pulse-pounding ride through a digital nightmare—where a sadistic killer livestreams his murders to the highest bidder, and the countdown to the next victim is always ticking. When LAPD intern Amanda Curtis joins the Homicide Bureau, she's prepared for crime scenes and long hours—but nothing could prepare her for The Headhunter. This ruthless predator targets young women with promises of fame, only to broadcast their brutal deaths live on a dark-web platform called Each murder is staged with chilling precision. Each broadcast ends in silence, save for a blood-red countdown clock marking the time until the next killing. As Amanda and her mentor, Detective Michael Peters, chase a killer who's always one step ahead, they must navigate the tangled world of cybercrime, media frenzy, and their own growing personal tensions. Every clue brings them closer—until the killer turns his game on them. ' is more than a thriller,' says Colascione. 'It's a warning shot about how easily technology can become a tool for terror—and how the dark web blurs the lines between entertainment and horror.' is available now in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon. For fans of dark, high-stakes thrillers like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Bone Collector, is a must-read exploration of obsession, technology, and the dangerous games played in the digital shadows. For orders and information: For media inquiries, review copies, or interviews, please email [email protected] About the Author John Colascione is a digital entrepreneur, author, and founder of SEARCHEN NETWORKS®, a leading digital marketing agency specializing in search engine optimization (SEO) and web marketing solutions. With over two decades of experience navigating the evolving landscape of online technology, Colascione brings a unique insider's perspective to the dark web thriller His work explores the intersection of technology, media, and human behavior—drawing from real-world insights into how digital platforms can both empower and endanger society. John Colascione Searchen Networks® +1 561-370-7366 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
News24
an hour ago
- News24
79-year-old man sentenced to life imprisonment for raping 6-year-old girl
A 79-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Pretoria North Magistrates' Court after a lengthy legal battle. Johannes Jacobus Christiaan Kotze also received five years each for two counts of sexual assault, to run concurrently with the life sentence. The court further ordered that his name be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to work with children and unfit to possess a firearm. His victim was only six years old when she finally broke her silence to her mother about being raped by a man she fondly referred to as 'Oupa'. This is after the mother went looking for the child in the perpetrator's room when she didn't find her where she was supposed to be playing. The perpetrator, Johannes, immediately pulled his hands away from the child when the mother walked into the room. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirms the incident as heard in court. Read more | Olorato Mongale's family struggles to come to terms with her tragic death - 'Our worst fears came true' 'Kotze rented a room at a commune where the 6-year-old girl was staying with her mother. The victim referred to him as 'Oupa', though they were not biologically related. On 03 October 2019, the mother of the child had a feeling that something was wrong with her child and needed to look for her. When she could not find the child where she was supposed to be playing, she went to look for her in Kotze's room. When she entered Kotze's room, he immediately pulled his hands away from the child, which brought suspicion to the mother. 'She then grabbed the child and went to their room, where she questioned her. The child then disclosed to her mother that Kotze had raped her by digitally penetrating her, touched her private parts, and forced her to touch him. The child further revealed that these acts were not isolated incidents. The mother immediately reported the matter to the police, leading to Kotze's arrest on 24 October 2019,' the NPA statement further reads. In court, Johannes pleaded not guilty, denying the rape and alleging the child's parents fabricated the case due to a dispute over their tenancy at the commune. However, State Prosecutor Hanlie Du Preez presented compelling evidence, including the victim's testimony and corroborating reports, proving Kotze's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. During sentencing, Kotze sought leniency, citing his age and ill health. Read more | Main suspect killed, two on the run in Olorato Mongale's murder case Du Preez countered that his lack of remorse, the gruesome nature of the crime, and its lasting trauma on the victim, who continues to suffer nightmares, warranted no deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. She argued that age alone could not excuse such a heinous act. Regional Court Magistrate Piet Nel agreed with the state, stating that 'rape is a scourge in our society, and the absence of remorse aggravates this crime'. Therefore, he found no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify leniency; he imposed life imprisonment, reinforcing the judiciary's firm stance against GBV. Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Marika Jansen van Vuuren praised the dedication of Prosecutor Hanlie Du Preez and Investigating Officer Sergeant Maluleke of the Ga-Rankuwa Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. 'This sentence sends a clear message: the NPA prioritises GBV cases, especially those targeting vulnerable children, and will pursue justice relentlessly,' she said.
News24
2 hours ago
- News24
Ex-Mandela bodyguard and Anti-Gang Unit boss Andre Lincoln dies
Former top cop and late president Nelson Mandela's former bodyguard, Major-General Andre Lincoln, died on Friday morning. Lincoln has been remembered for his service in fighting crime. He was the head of the Anti-Gang Unit before his 2021 retirement. Former Anti-Gang Unit boss Major-General Andre Lincoln died on Friday morning. Lincoln was one of late former president Nelson Mandela's bodyguards and was appointed as the Head of the Presidential Investigation Task Unit in 1996. He also served as a Cluster Commander and later as Head of the Anti-Gang Unit, where he contributed to police efforts to tackle the scourge of gang violence in the Western Cape. Provincial MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, sent her condolences to the family, friends and the law enforcement fraternity. Marais said: 'Major-General Lincoln's contribution to improving safety in the Western Cape will continue to form part of the legacy he leaves behind after serving in the SAPS for over 39 years. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.' Lincoln retired in 2021. He was made head of the Anti-Gang Unit in 2018 after a career of ups and downs. Former police boss Jeremy Vearey said Lincoln's death had been a shock. 'Our paths started together long before we joined the police,' he said. Both had worked together in the armed struggle, and Lincoln had supported Vearey after his release from Robben Island in the 1990s. 'Andre was there when I was released from Robben Island. Some of us, as political prisoners, needed protection. Comrades like Lincoln were there for us,' Vearey recalls. The two had worked together guarding Mandela, and Vearey recalled Lincoln's excellent evasive driving skills that had kept Mandela safe on numerous occasions. 'We were soldiers on the ground, defending our movements. I know him from battle, from blood, as a comrade for whom I would lay my life down,' he said. He described Lincoln as a 'humble man' who had a 'core strength' and demonstrated a 'zen-like calm' that was likely born of many years of practising martial arts. He also had a love for bonsai. 'Andre had a bonsai, which produced a micro pomegranate. It's one thing to look after your bonsai; it's another thing to have the patience to get it to bear fruit. That is understanding, a relationship with nature, that is almost spiritual.' In an outpouring of tributes on social media, Lincoln was described as a 'soldier' who lived a 'life of serving'. 'Thank you for putting your life at risk for us, the general public. Your dedication in the line of duty is beyond the call of duty, and we are immeasurably indebted to you,' said one social media user. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of late Major General Andre Lincoln on the tragic passing of such a... Posted by Ezra October on Thursday, May 29, 2025 His daughter, Nikki, posted: 'A part of me thought you would live forever. You were always so strong and so resilient. Imagining life without you was so impossible I let myself believe in the impossible. Rest in peace, Daddy. I don't know how to be a person without a father. I don't know how to navigate life without your wisdom. I love you forever. You took a piece of my heart with you, but I know a piece of yours will stay here with me.' A part of me thought you would live forever. You were always so strong and so resilient, imagining life without you was... Posted by Nikki Lincoln on Thursday, May 29, 2025 Lincoln and former Crime Intelligence chief Peter Jacobs were embroiled, with Vearey, in allegations of misconduct in one of the most recent controversies. One of the allegations against Lincoln and Jacobs was whether they responded appropriately to an informant who warned that AGU detective Charl Kinnear's life was in danger. Kinnear was murdered outside his house on 18 September 2020. Lincoln had previously faced 47 criminal charges and was convicted of 17 of these in 2003. He then appealed the conviction and was acquitted on all the charges, according to a previous News24 report. Lincoln was also among a number of senior police officers whose phone location was tracked, allegedly by former rugby player Zane Kilian, who is among those charged, along with Nafiz Modack, for the murder of Kinnear.
