AKA and Tibz Murder Trial Begins With Strict Media Rules From Judge

• Judge Nomfundo Sipunzi issued strict directives to the media on the first day of the AKA and Tibz murder trial
• Members of the media were given clear rules for coverage of the high-profile proceedings
• Seven accused men pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, and firearm offences

The murder trial of Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane kicked off on 5 October 2026 under a cloud of strict judicial directives, with the presiding judge wasting no time in laying down the rules for media coverage of the high-profile proceedings.

Judge Nomfundo Sipunzi of the Durban High Court made it clear from the outset that media representatives attending the trial would face firm restrictions. Witness identities, personal details, and any evidence tendered during testimony are off-limits for publication unless the court grants specific authorisation.

"No media coverage shall disclose the identities or personal particulars of any witness called by either the state or the defence. Media representatives shall not publish or broadcast the evidence or witnesses while they are testifying, nor any exhibits admitted or tendered as part of the trial record, unless otherwise authorised by the court," Judge Sipunzi stated.

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Media outlets were, however, permitted to report on the plea, the opening and closing of both the state and defence's cases, as well as counsel arguments, court rulings, and any judgement handed down.

Seven accused plead not guilty

The seven men in the dock are Siyabonga Ndimande, Malusi Ndimande, Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande. They face charges of conspiracy, murder in respect of both Forbes and Motsoane, attempted murder, and firearm-related offences. All seven entered pleas of not guilty.

The court also granted accused number three, Siyanda Myeza, a separate trial for unrelated prior charges. Prosecutors have alleged that a firearm found in Myeza's possession could link him directly to the murders, and that the same weapon connects him to a separate 2022 shooting in Mayville involving murder and attempted murder charges.

The fatal attack on Forbes and Motsoane took place outside the Wish restaurant on Florida Road in Durban on 10 February 2023. With dozens of state witnesses expected to take the stand, proceedings are scheduled to run through November, with additional dates reserved in April and May 2027.

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Families speak outside court

AKA's father, Tony Forbes, told reporters he was confident investigators had been thorough in building the case. The sentiment from Tibz's family carried a far heavier emotional weight.

Sylvester Motsoane revealed that the trial opened on 5 October, the very same date his wife passed away in 2023. Having already buried both his son and his life partner, returning to court on that particular anniversary placed an almost unbearable burden on the grieving father.

Despite this, Sylvester said he would not allow the date to unsettle him and described himself as "over this."

"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."

Lynn Forbes still overcome with guilt

In an earlier report, Briefly News shared a message from AKA's mother, Lynn Forbes, who spoke about the guilt she carries after Tibz lost his life in the crossfire.

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She opened up about her feelings about his death, saying AKA was the intended target of the fatal attack.

Source: Briefly News