AKA’s alleged killers in Eswatini abandon extradition fight

Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, says the withdrawal of the extradition appeal by Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes’ alleged killers in Eswatini means the legal process to bring them back to South Africa is almost complete.

The National Directorate of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) received a Notice of Abandonment from authorities from the Kingdom of Eswatini  after Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande dropped their bid to block extradition.

They had previously approached the courts to challenge their extradition, saying they fear that their lives will be at risk if they return to South Africa.

The brothers, who are originally from KwaZulu-Natal, were arrested while hiding in Eswatini, claiming they fled due to taxi-related violence.

It is alleged that they are also linked to three other murders in Amanzimtoti and Berea.

Minister Kubayi says the Eswatini authorities will handle the remaining procedural matters and before formally handing the suspects over, adding that she looks forward to a successful extradition.

AKA and his chef friend Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane were gunned down on the famous Florida road in Durban in February 2023.

Meanwhile, the other five suspects remain in custody in Durban.

The court has heard that over R800,000 was paid into accused number four’s bank account on the night AKA was killed — allegedly from a company owned by Sydney Mfundo Gcaba, a member of a powerful KZN taxi family.

According to the state, the account was opened and closed on the same day, and investigators believe the rapper was tailed from the moment he landed at King Shaka International Airport.