Five out of the seven men implicated in the homicide of South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA, and his close associate, celebrity chef and entrepreneur Tebello “Tibz” Motshoane, have appeared in court for the initial hearing.
The court proceedings, broadcast live on several South African television networks, have been adjourned until the following week.
Upon entering the dock, the five individuals kept their faces concealed, gazing downward. The prosecutor outlined ten charges, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
The fatal shooting of AKA and Motshoane occurred outside a restaurant in Durban a year prior, shocking South Africa, a country grappling with high crime rates.
Among the spectators were AKA’s father, Tony Forbes, Police Minister Bheki Cele, and the province’s police commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The prosecution requested a postponement for further investigation, citing the intention to include two recently apprehended suspects from Eswatini in the case, prolonging the proceedings.
The extradition process for the additional suspects is underway, with an anticipated duration of several months, as stated by the prosecutor.
During the court session, the accused refrained from commenting, while their legal representatives expressed the intention to seek bail, which the prosecution opposes.
Speaking to the eNCA news channel, Mr Forbes said he had prepared himself to face his son’s alleged murderers.
“I want to look them in the eye,” he said. “I hope this is the start of a phase where we learn who did this, who commissioned this and the appropriate punishment is given.”
Interviewed during a break in court he commented on the suspects having their faces covered. He said “we should be able to see who they are”.
The five were later ordered to remove their face coverings.