Malusi and Siyabonga Ndimande made their first appearance in a Durban magistrate’s court on Tuesday over the murders of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
The brothers were extradited from Eswatini earlier in the day after a two-year legal battle to avoid facing charges in South Africa.
The pair appeared before Magistrate Irfan Khalil in leg irons, under heavy security, including a strong police contingent and the presence of Provincial Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Media representatives and four human rights activists were also in attendance.
Malusi Ndimande is represented by Advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, while Siyabonga Ndimande is represented by Sibusiso Dlamini. Both face murder charges after Forbes and Motsoane were shot at the now-closed Wish restaurant on Florida Road in Durban in February 2023.
During proceedings, Mlotshwa requested an adjournment to consult thoroughly with his client under the watch of law enforcement. Magistrate Khalil approved the request and adjourned the matter to November 25, directing that correctional services facilitate private consultations.
After the court session, Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi praised the investigation team for securing the arrests. He said police are still probing the mastermind behind the killings, including tracing financial transactions used to fund the crime.
Earlier on Tuesday, the brothers were flown from Eswatini to King Shaka International Airport aboard a chartered aircraft, accompanied by Interpol and a special task force. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe described the operation as high-risk, given the suspects’ notoriety.
The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed the Ndimande brothers had withdrawn their appeal against Eswatini’s extradition order, clearing the way for their return to South Africa.
The trial is scheduled to run from July 20 to August 21, 2026, with a second session starting October 6, 2026.
