{
  "id": 12158927,
  "title": "AKA and Tibz murder trial: Judge bars live broadcast of witness evidence",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/aka-and-tibz-murder-trial-judge-bars-live-broadcast-of-witness",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-05T12:57:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/aka-and-tibz-murder-trial-judge-bars-live-broadcast-of-witness-evidence/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Durban High Court commenced a trial for seven men accused of killing rapper AKA and his friend Tebello Motsoane on Monday. All defendants pleaded not guilty. Judge Nomfundo Sipunzi imposed a rule barring live broadcast of witness evidence in the case.\n\nThe court acknowledged the significance of free speech and an open trial while also safeguarding the rights of the accused and witnesses. According to the judgement, no media coverage should reveal witness identities or personal details. Broadcasters are only allowed to cover the plea, opening and closing statements, arguments, rulings, and the final judgment.\n\nThe court also stipulated that only photographs of the courtroom may be taken before daily proceedings begin and after adjournments. The directive could be altered if deemed necessary for justice. The trial spans a month, with a new schedule to be determined on November 6, 2026.\n\nCommunities reacted to the restrictions. AfriForum's Barry Bateman criticized the ruling, stating it went too far and that the media would likely appeal. Tumi Sole, an internet personality, expressed hope for an appeal, given the delay since the victims' deaths. Others questioned the legitimacy of the decision, given the public's interest in the case.",
  "summary": "The court ruling limiting the coverage of the AKA and Tebello Motsoane murder trial has drawn criticism",
  "key_points": [],
  "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."
}