Inside the Alleged Crimes of the Ndimande Brothers: Who Pulled the Trigger That Killed AKA?
- The Ndimande brothers have finally returned to South Africa to stand trial for AKA's murder
- Police have also established that the brothers are allegedly responsible for numerous other crimes in KZN and are allegedly linked to a criminal network
- The brothers appeared before the Durban Magistrates court, where KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made a surprise appearance
- Briefly News unpacked the allegations against the brothers and spoke to a friend of the late rapper about the recent developments
It has been nearly three years since the death of Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and his friend Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane, and the spotlight has fallen on two brothers from KwaZulu-Natal, Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande.
Source: UGC
Described by South African police as dangerous and highly skilled, the Ndimande siblings were extradited from neighbouring Eswatini on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Having abandoned their legal fight against extradition in October, the brothers are poised for a high-profile court appearance. But who are these men accused of orchestrating some of the province’s most audacious hits? And what does their capture mean for the mysteries surrounding AKA’s murder?
A trail of blood in KwaZulu-Natal
The Ndimandes’ alleged criminal spree is fueled by accusations of three separate but overlapping cases, all centred in KwaZulu-Natal.
The most high-profile charges stem from the AKA and Tibz killings. Prosecutors allege that Siyabonga and Malusi were part of a sophisticated hit squad that ambushed the pair outside Wish restaurant on Florida Road, Durban. AKA, 35 at the time and fresh off a performance, was gunned down alongside Motsoane, a celebrity chef and entrepreneur.
Source: Getty Images
But the brothers’ rap sheet extends far beyond the rapper’s slaying. According to IOL, they are accused of murdering a prominent taxi boss in boss’s in 2022. The victim, whose identity has been withheld in court documents for safety reasons, was reportedly targeted in a drive-by shooting that echoed the tactics used in the AKA hit.
The violence didn’t stop there. In a related incident, the Ndimandes face charges for the murder of the taxi boss’s driver and the attempted murder of his wife. The attack, allegedly carried out with automatic weapons, left the driver dead and the wife critically injured.
Rounding out the 24 counts are a range of supporting offences, including conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
From fugitives in Eswatini to Durban’s courtroom
For months, the Ndimande brothers evaded South African justice by crossing into Eswatini, where they sought refuge. Arrested earlier in 2025 by Eswatini authorities acting on a South African warrant, Siyabonga and Malusi mounted a legal challenge, arguing procedural flaws and human rights concerns.
That fight crumbled in October 2025 when they abruptly withdrew their opposition, paving the way for extradition. On November 11, the siblings were flown into King Shaka International Airport and transported directly to a secure facility in Durban.
Speaking to Briefly News in Durban, a friend of AKA expressed relief over the arrival of the brothers:
“We are a step closer to the truth and closer to getting justice for Kiernan. Hopefully, we can finally know what happened and why and close this painful chapter.”
She added that the case has taken a toll on those who were close to the rapper, especially with recent allegations:
"The recent news that Kiernan was responsible for Anele's death has been really tough to swallow and it just leaves us all confused. So some good news in finding and punishing those who killed him would be welcome. Then we can try and digest this new information."
Mkhwanazi attends Ndimande brothers' court appearance
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi was in attendance at the Durban Magistrates Court, where the two Ndimande brothers appeared for the first time since their return from Eswatini.
Mkhwanazi sat in the docks, in full uniform, alongside his SAPS KZN team.
According to Newzroom Afrika, the brothers have officially been charged with conspiracy to kill, the murder of AKA and Tibz, counts 4 to 9 of attempted murder and count 11 possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The brothers have also been charged with the murder of taxi boss William Khumalo.
The State wants the brothers to stand trial in July 2026.
South Africans appeared hopeful over the Lieutenant General’s presence. Here are some of the reactions:
@lastborbone78 said:
“These guys don’t stand a chance.”
Mayor of Tshwane Nasiphi Moya said:
“I wish him God's divine protection! He is one of a kind and we are fortunate to learn we have this caliber. We were starting to believe lies about ourselves.”
@mzilakan_tha said:
“He’s not scared of anything lomjida.”
@nathisibiya said:
“He wanna make sure it's them.”
What happens next?
With the brothers now in custody, the road to trial promises to be filled with drama. Prosecutors must navigate a mountain of evidence, including ballistics matches, cellphone data, and potential witness testimonies. Defence attorneys, meanwhile, are expected to challenge the extradition process and question the chain of custody for key exhibits.
In the end, the question is who really pulled the trigger on AKA? The courtroom may soon provide the answer.
Tony Forbes Recalls the Day AKA Was Killed, SA Reacts
Meanwhile, Briefly News reported that on Saturday, 1 November 2025, an online user posted a video of AKA's father, Tony Forbes, recalling the day he found out that his son was shot and killed in Durban.
In the video, Forbes detailed how he got to know that the Lemonade hitmaker was killed. Social media users were divided in their reactions.
Proofreading by Roxanne Dos Ramos, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
