{
  "id": 11138106,
  "title": "Two advocates withdraw as AKA and Tibz murder trial nears",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/two-advocates-withdraw-as-aka-and-tibz-murder-trial-nears",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-01T07:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/pretoria-news/news/2026-10-01-two-advocates-withdraw-as-aka-and-tibz-murder-trial-nears/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two prominent advocates have withdrawn from the ongoing AKA and Tibz murder trial, just days before proceedings are set to commence. Jimmy Howse SC, who represented Mziwethemba Gwabeni, and Muzi Mzelemu, who represented Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, have both stepped down from their roles. In a surprise development, William Nicholson SC, an acting judge, has been appointed as their replacement counsel. Mkhwanazi, who previously relied on Simphiwe Mlotshwa for representation, will now be joined by Simphiwe Mlotshwa to represent Siyanda Eddie Myeza. Gareth Leppan is set to continue representing Malusi Dave Ndimande and Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande. The defense team's changes come amid a separate application for the separation of the trial, which the prosecution has pledged to address by Monday. The seven accused, alleged to have killed their friends on Florida Road in February 2023, collectively face 11 charges, including conspiracy to commit murder.",
  "summary": "Two advocates have withdrawn from the murder cases of AKA and Tibz, while the defence seeks to separate charges involving accused Siyanda Myeza before the trial begins.",
  "key_points": [
    "Two advocates withdraw from AKA and Tibz murder trial",
    "William Nicholson SC appointed as replacement counsel",
    "Trial set to commence in February 2023"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}