Malusi and Siyabonga Ndimande have finally appeared in court over the 2023 murders of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.

The brothers, extradited from Eswatini after two years of resisting their return, faced Durban Magistrate Irfan Khalil on Tuesday, escorted in leg irons under heavy police and Interpol security.

Their court appearance drew a packed media gallery and human rights observers, alongside provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Malusi is represented by advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, while Siyabonga is represented by Sibusiso Dlamini.

The defence requested an adjournment to consult with their clients under secure conditions, a request Khalil approved. The matter has been postponed to November 25.

After the hearing, Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi praised investigators, saying, “It has brought us to this courtroom. Now we see the next phase of justice.” He confirmed police are still investigating who coordinated the killings and financed the operation.

The extradition from Eswatini involved coordination with local authorities, with the brothers flown to King Shaka International Airport under heightened security before being formally charged by investigating officer Kumarasan Pillay.

Other suspects in the case, including Thabani Mkhwanazi and Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, have already appeared in court. Pre-trial matters are set for June 19, 2026, while the trial is scheduled to run from July 20 to August 21, with a follow-up session in October.

The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed the brothers withdrew their appeal against the extradition order, paving the way for their return to South Africa.

Source; PM News