By Our Reporter
JOHANNESBURG (CONVERSEER) – All seven men accused of the February 2023 murders of South African rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and Durban businessman Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane have been quietly transferred to the maximum‑security eBongweni Correctional Facility in Kokstad, in what authorities describe as a security‑driven move.
The group of suspects, who were previously held at Westville Correctional Centre near Durban, were relocated to eBongweni widely regarded as one of the country’s most secure prisons.
The transfer, ordered by the Department of Correctional Services, has not been publicly explained in detail, with officials citing sensitive security considerations for withholding specifics.
Two of the accused, brothers Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Dave Ndimande, made a brief virtual appearance at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Friday, joining proceedings from the maximum‑security facility.
Their defence team says it was only informed of the transfer via email on January 2, and has expressed concern that limited consultation time and the prison’s remote location are hampering preparations.
eBongweni is designed to house high‑risk inmates and features strict controls on movement and contact, including tightly regulated lawyer consultations.
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The accused face a range of charges linked to the murders as well as additional serious offences, with the next court date provisionally set for March 4, 2026.
No official motive for the transfer has been provided, but the move underscores the high‑profile nature of the case and ongoing security challenges in managing suspects in matters drawing intense public attention.
(MDN)
