In brief
Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande face multiple charges including the murder of legendary rapper Kiernan Forbes and his friend, alongside other related offenses. The attack that led to their deaths was described as a coordinated hit, sparking outrage and grief in South Africa. The brothers are set to appear in court again for a bail hearing.
Two brothers have been charged with the murder of South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA, following their extradition from neighbouring Eswatini.
Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande were brought back to the country after the failure of a lengthy legal attempt to block their return.
Forbes, an award-winning hip-hop artist, was killed outside a restaurant in the coastal city of Durban in 2023 along with his close friend, celebrity chef Tebello Tibz Motsoane.
South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world but this shooting shocked the country.
The brothers have also been charged with Motsoane's murder and will appear alongside five other accused already in custody when the trial begins. They also face charges of attempted murder and unlawful possession of a firearm, among others.
They arrived at Durban's international airport on Tuesday under heavy police guard, with their hands and feet shackled.
At the time of his murder, Forbes had been in Durban to perform during his birthday celebrations.
Police described the attack on the two men as a coordinated hit. While it is believed that Forbes was the only target and Motsoane was an unintended victim, the motive remains unclear.
The rapper's father Tony told local broadcasters that he was pleased with the progress in the case but still had questions over who ordered his son's murder and the motive.
His mother Lynn posted an image of her and her son on Instagram alongside the caption: This South African air is suffocating today … I cannot breathe.
Forbes was one of South Africa's most celebrated hip-hop artists after releasing three solo albums.
He is also known for his collaborations with other performers, including Nigeria's Burna Boy.
The Ndimande brothers will return to court on November 25 for a bail hearing.
