The seven men who are on trial for AKA and Tibz murder. From left Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Ndimande, Malusi Dave Ndimande and Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande
A crime scene investigator has unveiled crucial evidence in the ongoing murder trial of renowned South African rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and celebrity chef Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane, who were tragically gunned down on February 10, 2023.
The Mercury reported that during the proceedings at the Durban High Court, Sergeant Silindile Dlamini testified about the collection of forensic evidence from a white Mercedes-Benz believed to have been used as the getaway vehicle.
On March 6, nearly a month after the tragic incident, Dlamini responded to a call regarding the recovery of the vehicle in Cato Crest. Upon arrival, she met Warrant Officer Kumarasan "Bob" Pillay, the lead investigator in the case. The scene revealed a trove of evidence including ballistic exhibits, biological materials, and even identification markers such as fingerprints.
Detailing the meticulously collected evidence, Sergeant Dlamini mentioned, “He showed me the crime scene; I then collected some exhibits and took photos. There were ballistic exhibits and some biological exhibits, the DNA, match sticks, and a piece of cloth.” Among the findings were cartridge cases and live ammunition, crucial elements in reconstructing the crime.
Her collection was thorough, consisting of fingerprint samples taken from inside the Mercedes-Benz, which went on to be sealed in exhibit bags and dispatched for laboratory analysis shortly thereafter. “Others went for ballistics, fingerprints lab and biology,” she added, highlighting the comprehensive approach taken to uncover the truth.
Earlier testimonies had pointed to differences in the circumstances surrounding the night of the shooting. Constable Rajen Saunders, who reviewed CCTV footage from key locations, identified the same model of Mercedes seen on Florida Road—the scene of the crime. “Similarities were there; both cars had tinted windows, the left headlight was not working, and both had a panoramic sunroof,” he remarked, laying the groundwork for a potential link to the defendants.
Moreover, witnesses reported observing two men wearing bucket hats and masks, who crossed Florida Road before and after the shooting—one carrying a firearm. Their accounts corroborated a timeline that linked back to the movements of the infamous getaway vehicle.
The court has also been shown footage highlighting the actions of the alleged gunmen, and experts continue to lead the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case. The trial, which has gripped the nation since its inception, sees Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Ndimande, and brothers Malusi Dave and Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande facing charges related to these high-profile murders.
As the trial progresses, more evidence is expected to surface, further illuminating the events leading up to the shooting that shocked a nation and claimed the lives of two beloved figures.