‘I’m very pleased’: AKA’s father reacts to arrival of Ndimande brothers to face murder charges
Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande have been brought back to South Africa to face charges over the 2023 murder of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Media
Tony Forbes, the father of slain rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, who was killed alongside his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, has expressed relief following the arrival of two alleged killers in South Africa after their extradition from the Kingdom of Eswatini on Tuesday.
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.
IOL earlier reported that 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.
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
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.
“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.
IOL News