Ndimande brothers extradited to South Africa in AKA murder case
The two brothers accused of murdering rapper AKA, pictured, and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane arrived at King Shaka International Airport on Tuesday from Eswatini
Image: Supplied
THE two brothers accused of killing superstar rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane arrived at King Shaka International Airport in Durban on Tuesday morning following their extradition from the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, who were arrested in Mbabane in February, have today been handed over to South African authorities after months of legal proceedings in the neighbouring kingdom. Their extradition marks a pivotal moment in the investigation of AKA's shocking murder.
The brothers arrived at back into the country during a high-risk operation led by Interpol in South Africa. Tactical members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) facilitated their transfer, ensuring their secure arrival into South African custody.
The Ndimande brothers, once they are processed, are expected to appear before the Durban Magistrate's Court on Tuesday to face multiple serious charges, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The return of the Ndimande brothers is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the high-profile double murder that rocked the nation in February 2023.
AKA and Motsoane were gunned down outside a restaurant on Durban’s Florida Road in what police have characterised as a coordinated hit.
Their arrival expands the number of suspects in South Africa’s custody to seven, following earlier arrests of other alleged members of the hit squad in Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. Police have described the Ndimandes as central figures in the orchestration and execution of the murder.
Additionally, the brothers are linked to two other cases in KwaZulu-Natal: the 2022 murder of a taxi boss in Amanzimtoti and the attempted murder of a taxi owner’s wife. These cases are believed to form part of a broader criminal network operating between South Africa and Eswatini.
For several months, the brothers fought their extradition, but they withdrew their appeal in October, which cleared the way for their return. Their legal battles in Eswatini had delayed progress in the case, with local authorities confirming that South Africa’s extradition request was properly lodged and approved under SADC protocols.
Earlier today, IOL reported that an Interpol team from South Africa had travelled to Eswatini to conclude the handover, working closely with local law enforcement authorities to ensure a seamless transfer.
As the case progresses, all eyes will be on the forthcoming court proceedings, where the Ndimande brothers will have the first opportunity to respond to the serious charges against them.