Extradition of AKA murder suspects moves forward as Ndimande brothers abandon appeal in Eswatini

Siyabonga Ndimande and Malusi Ndimande have withdrawn their appeal against extradition from the Kingdom of Eswatini to South Africa in connection with the murder of South African musician Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.

The brothers were arrested in Mbabane, Eswatini, and have been detained there since. News editor at the Times of Eswatini, Mbongiseni Ndzimandze, said authorities expect the extradition to South Africa to take place soon.

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, on Thursday, welcomed the news, noting that the withdrawal of the appeal brings the extradition process closer to completion. The National Directorate of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) informed the Minister that the Kingdom of Eswatini authorities had submitted a Notice of Abandonment confirming the end of the brothers’ legal challenge.

Minister Kubayi said South African law enforcement and justice officials had worked closely with their Eswatini counterparts to advance the case. She expressed hope that the suspects will soon face justice in South Africa, allowing the families of the victims to find closure.

The Ndimande brothers had challenged the August 2024 decision of the Manzini Magistrate’s Court, which authorised their extradition to South Africa. Their withdrawal of the appeal marks the end of that legal battle in Eswatini’s High Court in Mbabane. Both Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande are originally from Mtubatuba in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Forbes, a well-known South African rapper, and his friend Motsoane were killed in a shooting in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, in February 2023. The case drew national attention, prompting extensive investigations by South African police. Since the arrests in Eswatini, the case has remained a focus of law enforcement cooperation between the two countries.

South Africans have reacted on social media to the news of the extradition. Some expressed frustration at the legal delays. One user on X wrote, “They know there is no law in South Africa, they know they will quickly bribe courts to get bail and continue enjoying their lives before they pay for the whole case to be struck off.” Another user commented, “Justice must be served and the families deserve answers. No one is above the law.”

The Kingdom of Eswatini authorities will now handle the remaining procedural matters before formally sending the brothers to South Africa. Once extradited, Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande will face charges of murder in connection with the deaths of AKA and Motsoane. Authorities have not yet provided a timeline for when the extradition will be completed.

The progress in the case has been welcomed by South African officials who have highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in serious criminal matters. Minister Kubayi reiterated the commitment of South African authorities to ensure that the suspects are brought to justice and that the rule of law is upheld.