DURBAN - The trial of seven men accused of killing South African rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend, Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, enters its second day on Tuesday.
The accused -- Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi, Lindani Ndimane, Siyanda Myeza, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, Lindokuhle Ndimande, Malusi Ndimande and Siyabonga Ndimane -- are appearing before the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban. All seven have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
They face several serious charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of murder, attempted murder, and firearms- and ammunition-related offences.
READ | AKA, Tibz murder trial gets off to a delayed start in Durban
When proceedings resume, the defence is expected to apply for a separation of the trial.
Six of the accused want their case to be separated from that of accused number three, Siyanda Myeza, who is also facing a separate matter dating back to 2022.
The six have told the court that continuing to appear while Myeza’s separate matter is dealt with would result in them incurring legal costs, despite their own cases not being heard.
Monday’s start to the trial was delayed after two of the accused had not arrived at court when proceedings were due to begin.
There were also problems with the lifts in the court building, where the matter is being heard in a regional courtroom on the 12th floor.
The families of both Forbes and Motsoane were in court for the start of the trial.
Read more: 'The trauma is still there': Tony Forbes speaks as AKA murder trial begins