AKA and Tibz Murder Trial Rocked by Cellphone Smuggling Scandal in Durban
- A cellphone was allegedly smuggled to one of the seven accused during day two of the AKA and Tibz murder trial at the Durban High Court
- Judge Nomfundo Sipunzi cleared the public gallery, allowing only media, police, and security personnel to remain inside the courtroom
- A heated confrontation broke out between a senior state prosecutor and an attorney allegedly linked to the smuggling after court adjourned
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Source: Instagram
Day two of the murder trial of rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and celebrity chef Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane descended into chaos on Tuesday, 6 October, after a cellphone was allegedly smuggled to one of the seven accused inside the Durban High Court.
The incident forced Judge Nomfundo Sipunzi to clear the public gallery entirely, with only journalists, police officers, and security personnel permitted to stay. Seven men are standing trial for the murders of AKA and Tibz, who were shot dead in Durban in February 2023.
Confrontation erupts after court adjourns
Once the session wrapped up, tensions spilt beyond the courtroom walls. A heated confrontation broke out between a senior state prosecutor and an attorney allegedly connected to the smuggled device, adding another layer of drama to what is already one of South Africa's most closely watched criminal trials.
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EWN cameras captured the defendants being escorted into the dock by security and police officials inside the wood-panelled courtroom, with press cameras documenting every moment of the solemn proceedings.
Watch the moment the accused were led into the dock at the Durban High Court here.
Source: Instagram
Mzansi reacts to the courtroom drama
The smuggling scandal drew sharp responses on social media:
@KBRIZZY_: "To begin with, that first bench should never have been positioned that close to the accused in the dock."
@FransBwalya: "Family of the deceased should be allowed."
@khethiwesj: "One of these men shot Tibz for the fun of it. 😒"
Tibz's father attends court hearing
In more AKA and Tibz updates, Briefly News reported that Sylvester Motsoane, the father of Tibz Motoane, attended the murder trial. He spoke to the media, revealing that October 5 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.
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Source: Briefly News
