All 7 Accused in AKA and Tibz Murder Trial Plead Not Guilty

• The murder trial of rapper AKA and businessman Tibz officially commenced at the Durban High Court on Monday, 5 October 2026
• All seven accused entered pleas of not guilty to charges including double murder, attempted murder and firearms offences
• The State is expected to call more than 40 witnesses as proceedings continue into Tuesday

The long-awaited murder trial of rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and businessman Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane got underway at the Durban High Court on Monday, 5 October 2026, with all seven accused entering pleas of not guilty across a string of serious charges.

The accused face counts of conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of murder, attempted murder, and firearms and ammunition offences. Monday's proceedings were delayed before the accused eventually appeared before the court.

AKA and Motsoane were shot and killed on Florida Road in Durban in February 2023, a shooting that sent shockwaves through South Africa's music and entertainment community.

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The men who have pleaded not guilty are Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi, Lindani Ndimane (also referred to as Lindani Zenzele Ndimande), Siyanda Myeza, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, Lindokuhle Ndimande, Malusi Ndimande, and Siyabonga Ndimande.

All seven face identical charges tied to the fatal shooting on one of Durban's busiest entertainment strips.

More than 40 witnesses expected

The State is preparing to call more than 40 witnesses during the course of the proceedings, signalling that the trial could run for an extended period. The case was set to continue on Tuesday, 6 October 2026.

AKA, one of South Africa's most celebrated hip-hop artists, was killed alongside his close friend Motsoane in what investigators determined was a targeted attack. The case drew national attention and sparked widespread calls for justice in the years since the shooting.

Tibz's father attends court hearing

In more AKA and Tibz updates, Briefly News reported that Tibz’s father, Sylvester Motsoane, attended the murder trial, saying its 5 October start date marks his wife’s death anniversary and he wants to face the accused.

"I'm strong. I'm over this. I've accepted that my son is dead, my wife is dead, they won't come back. I've accepted that. So nothing is going to trigger me. Nothing," he said.

Source: Briefly News