AKA's father responds to the arrival of the Ndimande brothers to face murder charges, saying, 'I'm very pleased'
A tight security cordon is around the Ndimande brothers as they leave King Shaka International airport in shackles, heading to Durban Central police station, before their expected appearance at the Durban Magistrates Court on Tuesday
Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
Slain South African rapper Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes.
Image: Instagram / akaworldwide
After two suspected killers were extradited from the Kingdom of Eswatini on Tuesday, Tony Forbes, the father of rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes, who was killed along with his friend Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane, expressed relief.
Brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, who were arrested in Mbabane in February, were handed over to South African authorities after months of legal proceedings in the neighbouring kingdom.
The brothers landed at King Shaka International Airport in Durban on Tuesday morning, in a high-risk operation led by Interpol South Africa and supported by tactical members of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The operation followed a lengthy extradition process after the pair initially opposed being sent back to South Africa, claiming their safety would be at risk.
Speaking to broadcaster eNCA, Tony Forbes said he was relieved that the two suspects had finally arrived back in the country to face justice.
“I’m very … excitement is probably not the right word, but I am pleased that they have arrived on this day. It’s been a long time coming, but for me, I feel satisfied now that when the trial starts, all seven will be on trial. I hope all seven will be on trial together. In particular, the (Ndimande) brother that pulled the trigger,” he said.
Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane, the friend of AKA who murdered alongside AKA on February at Florida Road in Durban.
Image: Supplied / Instagram
“It has taken a long time, but for me, the investigating team along with the NPA (National Prosecuting Authority) kept me abreast over the last two and a half years. The day when they called to say they have arrested the two brothers in Eswatini, my expectations were managed.”
He added that authorities had always been transparent about the complexity of the extradition process.
“Today it is happening, so I am very pleased with that,” said Tony.
The Ndimande brothers are expected to appear in court soon. They face multiple charges, including the murders of AKA and Tibz outside Wish restaurant on Florida Road in Durban in February 2023.
Police have confirmed that the pair are also linked to two other murder cases involving taxi industry figures in KwaZulu-Natal.
Their arrival brings to seven the total number of men arrested in connection with the killings.
Addressing journalists at the Airport, SAPS spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe said police would ensure the brothers remain behind bars.
“I don’t think they should fear for their safety. It is us who must ensure that they stay behind bars, where they don’t kill more people in South Africa,” said Mathe.
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A heavy security team around the Ndimande brothers leaving the King Shaka International Airport in shackles. They were rushed to the Durban Central police station, before their scheduled court appearance. Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Media
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Media