{
  "id": 12116465,
  "title": "AKA-Tibz murder trial rocked by defence shake-up as accused seeks separate trial",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/aka-tibz-murder-trial-rocked-by-defence-shake-up-as-accused-seeks",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-05T09:25:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2026-10-05-aka-tibz-murder-trial-rocked-by-defence-shake-up-as-accused-seeks-separate-trial/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The murder trial of Kiernan \"AKA\" Forbes and Tebello \"Tibz\" Motsoane commenced at the Durban High Court on Monday, accompanied by significant changes to the defence teams and an application to separate one accused's trial. Tony Forbes and Sylvester Motsoane attended the proceedings, according to the Mercury. The alterations to the defence came last week, as two well-known attorneys withdrew and new counsel took their place. Jimmy Howse SC, representing the fourth accused, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, was replaced by William Nicholson SC, who also acts as a judge. Muzi Mzelemu, previously representing Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, will now handle the case for Lindani Ndimande, whose previous counsel, Paul Jorgensen, is no longer involved. The defense shift arises as Mkhwanazi seeks a separate trial for his client, Myeza, who faces additional charges. This request was submitted in court prior to Monday's proceedings, with the prosecution indicating they would contest the request. State advocate Gcaba stated that the prosecution received a letter from the instructing attorney concerning the separation of the trial. Gcaba mentioned uncertainty about the matter but stated that the State would address it on Monday and file a response by Saturday. Despite the late submission, Gcaba assured the court that the State would be prepared for the trial's commencement. Mkhwanazi argues that his trial should proceed separately from Myeza's because Myeza is charged with six additional offenses, including two counts of murder and theft charges related to a stolen Toyota Etios. Mkhwanazi contends that remaining in court while evidence for Myeza's charges is presented could cause financial harm and waste time. The judge, Sipunzi, instructed both sides to resolve outstanding issues before the murder trial began, including Section 220 admissions, which are facts agreed upon by the prosecution and defense and do not require further evidence. Gcaba informed the court that these admissions would cover postmortem reports and causes of death. The court also learned that some witnesses would testify remotely from another province, and one witness requested an in-camera hearing. The seven accused are collectively facing 11 charges, including conspiracy to commit murder. Myeza faces additional charges and an alternative count arising from an alleged incident on May 6, 2022, on Jan Smuts Highway in Mayville. The trial continues in the Durban High Court.",
  "summary": "AKA-Tibz trial opens amid a defence shake-up, while one accused seeks to have his case separated from co-accused Myeza.",
  "key_points": [
    "Kiernan AKA Forbes and Tebello Tibz Motsoane face murder charges at Durban High Court",
    "Defense teams undergo shake-up with attorney replacements",
    "Lindani Ndimande seeks separate trial for Myeza due to additional charges"
  ],
  "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."
}