AKA-Tibz trial: Witness recalls Tibz saying, ‘I can’t breathe’ after shooting

During a deeply moving testimony at the Durban High Court, Lusaso Ngcobo recounted the tragic aftermath of the shooting that claimed the lives of South African rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and his friend, chef Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane. The Mercury reported the testimony, which detailed how Motsoane continued to gasp, "I can't breathe" as he bled from a wound below his left arm.

The incident occurred on February 10, 2023, outside the Wish restaurant on Florida Road, where a group of friends had gathered for a celebratory dinner. The evening quickly turned tragic when shots rang out, shocking those present and sending them into a frenzy of running. Ngcobo, instinctively seeking safety, ducked down as the chaos unfolded.

He recounted his shock at seeing patrons fleeing, realizing the situation was dire. Turning back to check on Motsoane, who was bleeding profusely, Ngcobo found the chef struggling to breathe, repeating his desperate plea. As Ngcobo tried to assist his friend, he noted that AKA had also been shot and lay nearby. The urgency in the courtroom was evident as witnesses frantically searched for towels to control the bleeding and made frantic calls for an ambulance.

Ngcobo further testified that the group later reunited with AKA at a bridal salon where he was preparing for a special occasion before heading to the restaurant. A procedural matter arose in the courtroom as Senior State Advocate Elvis Gcweka sought to protect the witness's identity due to previous threats following public revelations of their likeness.

Judge Nomfundo Sipunzi granted the request, ensuring Ngcobo's face would not be shown in court or on television. Seven men, including Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Mkhwanazi, and the Ndimande brothers Malusi Dave and Siyabonga Gezani, stand accused of the murders of AKA and Tibz.