Ndimande Brothers to Be Extradited from Eswatini to Face AKA and Tibz Murder Charges

Two brothers accused of murdering South African rapper AKA and businessman Tibz are set to be extradited from Eswatini after withdrawing their legal challenge (image source)

MBABANE — Two brothers accused in the high-profile murders of South African rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and businessman Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane are set to be extradited from Eswatini to South Africa after abandoning their legal challenge to the transfer, authorities confirmed.

Malusi and Siyabonga Ndimande, who were arrested in Eswatini in February 2024, had resisted Pretoria’s extradition request through local appeals. The pair formally withdrew their challenge this week, clearing a major legal hurdle and prompting Eswatini to issue surrender orders allowing the South African Police Service (SAPS) to take them into custody and return them to face prosecution alongside five other co-accused already appearing in South African courts.

SAPS spokespersons said logistical arrangements were being finalised for the transfer, expected early next week. Once back in South Africa, the Ndimande brothers will join ongoing proceedings in KwaZulu-Natal, where the case has drawn sustained public attention since the February 2023 shootings on Durban’s Florida Road that claimed the lives of AKA and Tibz, shocking the music and business communities.

Prosecutors said the arrests in Eswatini were the result of cross-border cooperation between South African and Eswatini law-enforcement agencies, thanking Eswatini authorities for their assistance in apprehending and authorising the transfer of the suspects. Police officials added that the extradition followed all legal protocols and reaffirmed that the state will continue to present its case through the criminal-justice system.

Legal analysts noted that the withdrawal of the appeal removed a key delay in bringing the two men before South African courts but cautioned that extradition is only one step in a complex criminal process. The accused retain full legal rights, including access to counsel and the ability to challenge evidence during trial. Courts must still consider admissibility issues, witness protection, and procedural safeguards as the matter progresses.

Families of the victims and fans of AKA and Tibz have watched developments closely, many expressing relief that more suspects are being brought before justice. Civil-society groups have meanwhile called for a fair and transparent trial, emphasising that due process must prevail to uphold victims’ rights and reinforce public confidence in cross-border policing and judicial cooperation.

Authorities confirmed that surrender orders have been signed and preparations are underway for the extradition, though operational details remain confidential for security reasons.