AKA and Tibz Murder Trial Set for Court After Case Declared Ready 3 Years Later

• The murder case linked to the deaths of rapper AKA and his friend Tibz has officially been declared ready for trial
• The development marks a significant step forward in one of South Africa's most high-profile celebrity murder cases
• Mzansi has been waiting for justice since the two men were shot dead in Durban in February 2023

The long-running legal battle surrounding the deaths of rapper AKA, born Kiernan Forbes, and his friend and former manager Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane has reached a critical milestone, with the case now declared ready to proceed to trial.

The two men were fatally shot outside Wish Restaurant on Florida Road in Durban on 10 February 2023. The double murder sent shockwaves across South Africa and beyond, leaving the music industry and fans grieving.

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AKA and Tibz case heads to trial

Prosecutors confirmed that the matter is ready for trial, a development that signals movement in a case that has stretched on for over three years. The accused in the matter have faced a lengthy pre-trial process, and this declaration now paves the way for formal court proceedings to begin.

The case has drawn enormous public attention since the night of the shooting, with widespread speculation about the motive and those responsible. Investigators worked through numerous leads, and arrests were eventually made a year later in connection with the murders.

Five suspects were arrested in South Africa, while two, the Ndimande brothers, were captured in Eswatini, where they were believed to be hiding out. They were eventually extradited to South Africa in November 2025.

DailySUN reports that Judge Thoba Poyo-Dlwati declared on 13 August 2026 at the Durban High Court that she was satisfied that both the state and defence were ready. The first leg of the trial is set to run from 5 October to 6 November, while the second leg is scheduled for 12 April to 14 May 2027.

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She further reiterated that she wants no further delays in the trial.

What happened the night AKA was killed?

AKA, one of South Africa's most celebrated hip-hop artists, was celebrating his birthday weekend in Durban when a gunman opened fire outside the restaurant. Tibz, who was a close friend and business partner of the rapper, was also killed in the attack. The coordinated nature of the shooting led investigators to treat it as a targeted hit from very early on.

The trial declaration brings the families of both AKA and Tibz one step closer to seeing the matter heard before a judge. South Africans who have followed the case closely are now watching to see when the trial date will be formally set, and proceedings will get underway.

Recently, the rapper trended after the state formally opened an inquest into the tragic death of his late fiancée, Anele "Nelli" Tembe, to uncover the circumstances surrounding her passing.

Moses Tembe’s old comments about AKA resurface

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In an earlier report, Briefly News revisited an interview of Moses Tembe discussing AKA, sparking fresh debate on social media about the businessman's daughter's death.

South Africans shared mixed reactions to Tembe's remarks, with some supporting his views and others criticising them.

Source: Briefly News