Kelvin Bowoto
Five of the seven men charged with the murder of South African musician Kiernan Forbes, also known as AKA, and his close friend, celebrity chef and entrepreneur Tebello “Tibz” Motshoane, have made their first court appearance.
The hearings, which were broadcast live on numerous South African television networks, have been postponed until next week.
When the five first arrived at the dock, they stood staring down with their faces covered.
The prosecutor read out ten accusations, which included murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and unauthorized possession of firearms and ammunition.
AKA and Motshoane were assassinated outside a restaurant in the beachfront city of Durban a year ago. The murder horrified South Africa, which has one of the world’s highest crime rates.
AKA’s father, Tony Forbes, Police Minister Bheki Cele, and the province’s police commissioner, Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, all watched the court hearings.
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The state requested a postponement for further inquiry.
It stated that it intended to add two other suspects recently apprehended in Eswatini to the case, which would further prolong the proceedings.
The prosecutor stated that their extradition process was now underway. He would not say when this would be completed, but it could take a few months.
The five defendants made no statement in court, but their attorneys stated that they would ask for bail, which the state expects to fight.
Speaking with the eNCA news program, Mr. Forbes stated that he had prepared to face his son’s suspected 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.”
When interviewed during a break in court, he commented on the suspects’ faces being concealed. He said, “We should be able to see who they are.”
Techrectory with Agency Report.
