Two brothers have been charged with the murder of South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as ‘AKA’, after he was extradited from neighboring Eswatini.
Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande have returned to their homeland after lengthy legal attempts to block their return failed.
Award-winning hip-hop artist Forbes died outside a restaurant in the coastal city of Durban in 2023 alongside his close friend and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world, but the shooting shocked the country.
The brothers have also been charged with Mochoan’s murder and are expected to appear along with five other defendants already in custody when the trial begins. They also face charges of attempted murder and unlawful possession of a firearm.
They have not yet commented on the charges.
The two arrived at Durban International Airport on Tuesday under heavy police security, with their hands and feet shackled.
At the time of the murder, Forbes was in Durban for a birthday celebration.
Police described the attack on the two men as a coordinated attack. The motive is unclear, although Forbes is believed to be the only target and Motsoane the unintended victim.
Authorities believe one of the Ndimande brothers was probably one of the people who pulled the trigger and shot AKA, police spokeswoman Brig Athlenda Mathe told local broadcaster eNCA on Tuesday.
The rapper’s father, Tony, told a local TV station that he was satisfied with the progress made in the case, but questions still remained about who ordered his son’s murder and what his motive was.
His mother Lynn posted a photo of herself and her son on Instagram with the caption: “The air in South Africa today is stifling… I can’t breathe.”
Forbes was one of South Africa’s most popular hip-hop artists after releasing three solo albums.
He is also known for his collaborations with other performers, including Nigeria’s Burna Boy.
The Ndimande brothers are scheduled to return to court on November 25 for a bail hearing.
The case against the co-accused will resume in the Durban High Court next year.
