The high-profile murder case of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend, celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, has seen a new development as the defence team announced its intention to file an urgent application. The application seeks to transfer all seven accused individuals back to Westville Prison from their current location at Kokstad Maximum Correctional Centre. This decision by the defence stems from serious concerns regarding their ability to consult with their clients effectively following an unannounced transfer.

On Friday, 9 January, two of the seven accused, Malusi and Siyabonga Ndimande, appeared virtually in the Durban High Court. The group, which also includes Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi, Lindani Ndimande, Siyanda Myeza, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Ndimande, faces a range of serious charges. These include conspiracy to commit murder, murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, five counts of attempted murder, and money laundering.

The Ndimande brothers had been extradited from Eswatini in November 2025, after abandoning a prolonged legal challenge against their return to South Africa. During a previous court appearance in November, the defence had requested specific information from the State pertaining to the extradition process. However, during Friday's proceedings, the court was informed that this vital information remains outstanding, further complicating the defence's preparations.

Defence counsel Advocate Cyril Mlotshwa raised concerns in court about the practical difficulties the defence team is encountering in trying to consult with their clients. Instructing attorney for the Ndimande brothers, Sbusiso Dlamini, revealed that the defence was only informed on 2 January that all seven accused had been moved from Westville Prison to Kokstad Maximum Correctional Centre, which is also known as oBhongweni.

Kokstad Maximum Correctional Centre holds the distinction of being South Africa’s sole super-maximum prison, specifically designed to house the country’s most hardened offenders. It operates under exceptionally stringent security measures, making attorney-client consultations inherently challenging. Notably, tenderpreneur Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala is also currently detained at this facility, having been moved there on 21 December 2025 from the C-Max unit at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria.

Dlamini stressed that neither the defence nor the AKA murder-accused were informed or consulted prior to this transfer. He highlighted that this unexpected relocation has created significant obstacles for the defence, especially as the trial date draws nearer. Despite an indication from the State that arrangements might be made to facilitate the transfer, Dlamini confirmed the defence's resolve to proceed with an urgent application to secure the return of the accused to Westville Prison. The matter has been postponed to 4 March, allowing the defence crucial time to consult with their clients and to resolve the ongoing issue of outstanding information requested from the State.