The seven men accused of the murders of award-winning rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and businessman Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane have reportedly been transferred to the high-maximum security eBongweni Correctional Centre in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal. The move marks a significant development in one of South Africa’s most closely followed criminal cases.
According to information that has emerged, the transfer took place quietly at the start of the year, with all seven accused relocated from Durban’s Westville Correctional Centre. The operation was reportedly carried out with minimal public attention, underscoring the sensitivity and seriousness surrounding the case.
While officials have not publicly detailed the exact reasons for the relocation, it is understood that the transfer was done at the request of the State. Such requests are typically made when authorities believe heightened security is necessary, either for the safety of the accused, the integrity of the case, or broader correctional concerns. However, no official statement has yet clarified the specific motivations behind the decision.
The murders of AKA and Tibz sent shockwaves across South Africa and beyond. The two men were shot and killed in February 2023 outside a popular restaurant in Durban in what authorities described as a targeted and coordinated attack. The brazen nature of the shooting, which took place in a public setting, sparked national outrage and prompted widespread calls for justice.
For months following the killings, the case remained under intense investigation, with law enforcement working behind the scenes to piece together evidence. The arrests of the suspects, which came roughly a year later, were seen as a major breakthrough and brought renewed public attention to the matter.
The decision to move the accused to eBongweni Correctional Centre has further highlighted the gravity of the charges they face. eBongweni is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most secure prisons. The facility is known for its advanced surveillance systems, strict access controls and enhanced security protocols.
Typically, inmates housed at eBongweni are considered high-risk, either due to the seriousness of their alleged crimes or concerns around safety and potential interference with legal processes. Being transferred to such a facility often signals that authorities are taking extraordinary precautions.
The relocation has also raised questions about how the case will proceed in the coming months. With the accused now held far from Durban, logistical arrangements for court appearances, consultations with legal teams and ongoing investigations may become more complex. Nevertheless, such challenges are often deemed necessary in high-profile cases where security and order are paramount.
Meanwhile, court proceedings related to the case continue to unfold. Notably, two of the accused — brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande — have appeared in camera. This means their court appearances were conducted behind closed doors, with the public and media excluded.
In-camera proceedings are typically reserved for matters considered highly sensitive. They may be used to protect ongoing investigations, safeguard witnesses, or prevent the disclosure of information that could compromise the case. The decision to hold parts of the proceedings in this manner has only added to the intense public interest surrounding the trial.
For the families of AKA and Tibz, as well as their supporters and fans, developments such as these are closely watched. Many continue to seek closure and justice, more than two years after the tragic events that claimed the lives of two well-known figures.
As the legal process moves forward, the transfer of the accused to a high-security facility underscores the seriousness with which the State is treating the case. While many questions remain unanswered, the relocation signals that authorities are intent on maintaining strict control over proceedings as the matter makes its way through the justice system.
The nation now waits for the next chapter in a case that has left a lasting impact on South Africa’s cultural and social landscape.
