Court separates six charges against AKA murder accused

The Durban High Court is set to rule on Tuesday about whether to separate the trial of seven men accused of killing rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and his friend Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane. Judge Nomfundo Sipunzi will announce her decision after hearing arguments from both sides. Six of the accused oppose separating the trial, with Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi initiating the request.

All seven defendants plead not guilty to charges including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and firearm and ammunition offenses. The victims were shot dead outside the Wish restaurant on February 10, 2023. Myeza is the only accused with additional charges related to a 2022 murder in Mayville, consisting of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and vehicle theft.

Prosecutors claim the charges were consolidated due to common purpose and shared evidence, but the defense argues the court should separate Myeza's trial due to potential prejudice and delays. The court has already acknowledged that separate trials would lead to duplicated evidence, inconvenience for witnesses, higher costs, and inconsistent findings from different courts.