Two brothers have been extradited from Eswatini to South Africa and formally charged with the murder of superstar rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, marking a pivotal development in a case that has gripped the nation since the 2023 shooting. This extradition follows months of legal proceedings and underscores the cross-border efforts to address high-profile crimes.
On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Malusi and Siyabonga Ndimande arrived at King Shaka International Airport in Durban under the guard of heavily armed police special task force members. They were extradited from the Kingdom of Eswatini, where they had been held since their arrest in February 2024, and the handover was coordinated by Interpol. The brothers were immediately taken into custody upon landing and led away in leg irons to be formally charged. Their arrival was captured in live footage, highlighting the high-security nature of the operation.
The Ndimande brothers are facing a total of 27 charges, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that one of the suspects is believed to have pulled the trigger in AKA’s killing. They are scheduled to appear before the Durban Magistrate’s Court to address these charges, which also include links to other violent crimes. The extensive charge sheet reflects the severity of the allegations and the thoroughness of the investigation.
The murders of Kiernan Forbes and Tebello Motsoane occurred on February 10, 2023, outside a popular restaurant on Florida Road in Durban. Both victims were shot multiple times in what authorities described as a coordinated and well-planned hit. AKA, a celebrated figure in South African music, was ambushed alongside his friend, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry and the public. The case has remained in the spotlight due to its brutality and the prominence of the victims.
The extradition process involved protracted legal battles in Eswatini, with the brothers initially contesting their transfer before withdrawing their appeal in October 2025. This decision cleared the way for South African authorities to proceed under SADC protocols, and the Eswatini High Court approved the request. The handover was finalized with Interpol’s assistance, emphasizing international cooperation in justice matters. The brothers’ return ends a lengthy delay in bringing them to trial.
Beyond the AKA case, the Ndimande brothers are linked to other violent crimes in KwaZulu-Natal, including the 2022 murder of a taxi boss in Amanzimtoti and the attempted murder of a taxi owner’s wife. These connections point to their alleged involvement in a broader criminal network operating across the South Africa-Eswatini border. Police have described them as central figures in planning and executing multiple offenses, highlighting the pervasive nature of organized crime in the region.
With this extradition, the number of suspects in South African custody related to the AKA murder has risen to seven, following earlier arrests in Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. This coordinated law enforcement effort aims to dismantle the entire hit squad and address related criminal activities. The case illustrates the challenges of cross-border crime and the importance of regional collaboration in ensuring accountability.
The upcoming court proceedings will be closely watched, as they represent a critical step toward justice for the victims’ families and the broader community. The outcome could set precedents for handling similar high-profile extraditions and reinforce public confidence in the legal system. As the brothers face the charges, authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the criminal network involved.
