Ndimande Brothers Extradited to South Africa in High‑Profile AKA Murder Case

In a dramatic development, siblings Siyabonga Ndimande and Malusi Ndimande — commonly referred to as the Ndimande brothers — have been brought to South Africa from Eswatini to face serious charges in connection with the 2023 murders of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.

The extradition operation, carried out in cooperation with Interpol and Eswatini law‑enforcement, was flagged as “high‑risk” and executed under tight security. The brothers arrived at King Shaka International Airport in Durban early on November 11, 2025, and were escorted to court the same day.

According to charges filed in a Durban magistrate’s court, the brothers face multiple counts, including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. Investigators allege their involvement in a broader organized‑crime plot that led to the fatal attack on AKA and Tibz outside a restaurant on Florida Road in Durban.

The case marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s criminal‑justice efforts, especially given the high‑profile nature of the victims and the cross‑border complexities of the investigation. The public and media attention remain intense, as families, fans and the broader entertainment community await conclusions.

Ndimande Brothers Extradited to South Africa: Full Case Overview

The extradition of Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, brothers who have been linked to the brutal murder of rapper AKA (Kiernan Forbes) and his close friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, marks a crucial turning point in the investigation. The brothers, who were arrested in Eswatini, have been brought to South Africa to face multiple serious charges. As the legal process unfolds, the public is closely following the case that has already stirred up emotions due to the high‑profile nature of the victims.

Background of the Case

On February 10, 2023, AKA and Tibz were shot dead outside Wish Restaurant on Florida Road in Durban, South Africa. The attack was shocking not only because of the public nature of the incident but also due to AKA’s popularity in the music industry. The Ndimande brothers were initially suspected of being involved in the murders, and the investigation uncovered links to organized crime. The case escalated after the Madlanga Commission and an internal audit into the police’s handling of the matter.

After a lengthy legal process, which involved cross‑border cooperation between South Africa and Eswatini, the Ndimande brothers were extradited to South Africa in November 2025 to face charges.

The Charges Against the Ndimande Brothers

Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande are facing multiple charges in connection with the deaths of AKA and Tibz, including:

Murder: The brothers are accused of directly or indirectly orchestrating the fatal shooting of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
Attempted Murder: Additional charges also stem from other violent incidents linked to the brothers, including an attempt on the life of a local taxi boss and his family.
Conspiracy to Commit Murder: Investigators have found evidence suggesting that the brothers were part of a larger plot targeting high‑profile figures in South Africa.
Unlawful Possession of Firearms and Ammunition: The Ndimandes are suspected of possessing illegal firearms, which may have been used in the murders and other incidents linked to their activities.
Organized Crime: The brothers are also linked to a broader criminal enterprise, involving extortion, illegal activities, and associations with other known criminals in the region.

These charges could carry heavy penalties, including life imprisonment, depending on the trial’s outcome and the specifics of the evidence presented.

Extradition Process and Arrival in South Africa

The Ndimande brothers were extradited from Eswatini after the South African authorities successfully presented evidence and legal requests for their return. The extradition process involved complex negotiations and a high‑security operation, with a team of officers escorting the brothers from Eswatini to King Shaka International Airport in Durban.

On their arrival, they were immediately taken into police custody under heavy surveillance. South African authorities deemed the operation high risk due to the brothers’ alleged criminal affiliations. The KwaZulu‑Natal Police Commissioner Lt‑Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi stated, “We could not risk anything,” underscoring the sensitivity of the operation.

The Court Proceedings

After their extradition, the Ndimande brothers appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on November 11, 2025. The court hearings are ongoing, with further legal proceedings expected to unfold over the coming months. Their legal team has indicated that they will contest the charges, and the brothers’ defense will likely involve questioning the evidence that links them to the murders.

Legal experts suggest the case could take months, if not years, to resolve, especially considering the complex nature of the investigation and the multiple charges involved.

Public and Media Reactions

The case has captured widespread attention, especially within the South African entertainment community, which was rocked by the tragic loss of AKA and Tibz. Fans of the rapper have been vocal about seeking justice, with protests and calls for accountability in the months following the murder.

The extradition of the Ndimande brothers to South Africa has been met with mixed reactions. While some view it as a step towards justice, others are questioning the handling of the investigation and whether enough was done to prevent the tragedy. The case also highlights the broader issues of gang violence and criminal influence in the entertainment industry, which continues to be a topic of public debate in South Africa.

What Happens Next?

As the trial progresses, attention will focus on the strength of the prosecution’s case. Key factors will include:

Forensic Evidence: This will play a critical role in linking the brothers to the crime. Any ballistic tests, fingerprints, or DNA evidence will be crucial in proving their involvement.
Witness Testimony: The case will likely feature testimony from witnesses, including those who may have seen the brothers at the scene of the crime or interacted with them before or after the incident.
Investigative Gaps: There may be questions about how long the brothers evaded capture and why they were able to flee the country. This could influence public perception and the legal proceedings.

Conclusion

The extradition of the Ndimande brothers to South Africa marks a major turning point in the investigation into the murder of AKA and Tibz. As the case unfolds, the public and media will be keenly watching to see how the justice system handles this high‑profile matter. The brothers’ trial could have a lasting impact on how criminal investigations, particularly those involving organised crime and high‑profile figures, are handled in South Africa.

Stay tuned as this case progresses, with more updates expected in the coming weeks.

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