Durban – A high-risk team from Interpol South Africa has departed for the Kingdom of Eswatini to take custody of two brothers, Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, who are suspects in the murders of rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and his friend Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane. The brothers were apprehended by the Eswatini Royal Police earlier this year, marking a significant step in the investigation into the high-profile killings that occurred outside a restaurant on Florida Road in Durban in February 2023.
Colonel Athlenda Mathe, the police spokesperson, confirmed the deployment of the Interpol team, emphasising the meticulous planning involved in the handover process. Speaking to journalists at King Shaka International Airport in Durban, Mathe outlined the operation: "I can confirm that a high-risk team has left South Africa. They are on their way to King Mswati III International Airport, where they will meet officers from Interpol Eswatini. The handover will take place between Interpol South Africa, our officers, and Interpol Mbabane."
The Interpol team's mission is to escort the Ndimande brothers back to South Africa, where they will face justice for their alleged involvement in multiple murder cases. Mathe explained the procedure that will be followed upon their arrival: "Only upon arrival at King Shaka International Airport will our Interpol officers hand them over to the lead investigator in the case, who will then execute a J50 warrant of arrest."
According to Colonel Mathe, the Ndimande brothers are wanted in South Africa in connection with three separate murder cases. The charges against them are extensive and span across multiple incidents, highlighting the severity of the allegations they face.
"The first case involves the murder of a taxi boss in Amanzimtoti in 2022, where they face five charges," Mathe detailed. This incident marks the beginning of a series of violent events allegedly linked to the Ndimande brothers.
The second, and perhaps most widely known, case relates to the murders of AKA and Tibz Motsoane. In this case, the brothers face a total of 11 charges, reflecting the complex nature of the investigation and the multiple facets of the crime.
The third case concerns the murder of a taxi boss’s driver and the attempted murder of his wife, with about 11 charges in that matter," Mathe explained. This third case further underscores the violent trajectory associated with the suspects.
Once the suspects arrive on South African soil, the legal process will commence immediately. "The lead investigator will execute the J50 warrant of arrest at the airport," Mathe confirmed. This formal step will officially place the brothers under arrest, allowing the authorities to proceed with the necessary legal procedures.
"He will then process them — taking fingerprints, warning statements, and informing them of the reasons for their arrests and the charges they face. They will also be afforded the right of reply through their attorneys," Mathe added, ensuring that the suspects' legal rights are protected throughout the process.
Following their initial processing at the airport, the Ndimande brothers will be transported to a police station for further procedures. It is anticipated that they will appear in court shortly thereafter, where they will face the charges against them and the legal proceedings will formally begin.
The arrest and impending extradition of the Ndimande brothers represent a significant development in the investigation into the murders of AKA and Tibz, as well as the other violent crimes with which they are linked. The collaborative effort between Interpol South Africa and the Eswatini Royal Police underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating crime and ensuring that justice is served. The South African authorities are now preparing to bring the suspects before the courts, where the full weight of the law will be applied.
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