AKA-Tibz trial shake-up: Judge relaxes media rules on witness evidence

The Durban High Court has amended its reporting directive in the murder trial of Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane, permitting journalists to publish or broadcast witness evidence while preserving witnesses' anonymity. Judge Nomfundo Sipunzi announced these changes on Wednesday morning, addressing concerns over media reporting restrictions.

Under Section 220 of the Criminal Procedure Act, accused individuals can formally confirm facts that are not disputed, circumventing the need for the State to provide evidence supporting those facts. Sipunzi clarified that media representatives could now publish or broadcast witness testimonies and any evidence admitted during the trial.

However, journalists were still barred from revealing the identities or personal details of the witnesses. Previously, the court had limited media coverage to reported pleas, counsel's arguments, court rulings, and judgments. Following the amendment, all seven accused individuals admitted to not contesting the details of the victims' identities, causes of death, locations of their deaths, postmortem reports, and photographs.

The trial resumed with members of the public permitted back into the courtroom gallery, following a previous tension over a cellphone incident. Police allegedly found Malusi Dave Ndimande in possession of a cellphone allegedly given by an unaffiliated attorney. The trial is set to proceed with the State presenting its first witness.