AKA murder suspects to remain in eSwatini despite extradition request
The two AKA murder suspects who were set to be extradited to South Africa will remain in eSwatini despite an approved extradition request.
Despite a formal extradition request from South Africa, the two AKA murder suspects allegedly linked to the murder of the rapper and his friend Tibz will be remanded in custody in Eswatini until 9 April.
The two brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande were arrested by the Royal Eswatini Police Service in February appeared in the Manzini Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 20 March.
AKA MURDER SUSPECTS REMANDED IN CUSTODY IN ESWATINI
The Ndimande brothers are among the seven suspects who were arrested in connection with the murder of award-winning rapper AKA and his celebrity chef friend Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane.
Forbes and Motsoane were gunned down on 10 February 2023 on Florida Road in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
On Wednesday, their legal representative requested time to go through the extradition application from South Africa.
The two brothers will return to court on 9 April.
South Africa has formally requested the extradition of two suspects in the murders of rapper AKA and celebrity chef Tibz from eSwatini. State prosecutor Macebo Nxumalo tells the court that they have agreed that the provisional detention order be extended until April 9. pic.twitter.com/3qvckZsh8C
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 20, 2024
JUSTICE MINISTER APPROVES EXTRADITION REQUEST
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, 19 March, the Department of Justice and Correctional Services confirmed that South Africa has formally requested the extradition of the Ndimande brothers.
“The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services confirms that Minister Ronald Lamola has approved and transmitted a request by South Africa for the extradition of Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Dave Ndimande from the Kingdom of Eswatini (Eswatini) to the Republic of South Africa,” the department said.
Minister of Justice Ronald Lamola unpacks the extradition treaty between South Africa and Eswatini. Lamola has approved a request by SA for the extradition of two suspects linked to the murder of Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes and Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane.
Watch: https://t.co/B11xAN7OMH pic.twitter.com/PQcfncStnv
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 19, 2024
ALLEGED MASTERMIND DENIES R800K PAYMENT WAS CONTRACT KILLING
The alleged mastermind in the murder of AKA, Mziwethemba Gwabeni says the R800 000 deposited into his account was from a reputable company – for business.
Gwabeni said the R803 000 paid into his account was from a reputable company with whom he had done business before. He added that it was for consultation services.
Gwabeni’s legal representative Advocate Joe Wolmarans revealed this at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
According to police, Gwabeni who is reportedly a businessman owns Gwabs Mining in Mpumalanga. He allegedly assembled and paid the other six suspects.