The Durban Magistrates court has denied bail to the five men accused of murdering South African artist Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes and his celebrity chef friend Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane 

RULING

Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande appeared in court on Wednesday where they heard the verdict of their bail application.

AKA and Tibz were gunned down execution style outside Wish restaurant in Durban Florida Road on February 10, 2023. 

The Judge presiding over the matter Vincent Hlatshwayo handed down the verdict saying it would not be in the interest of justice to grant the accused bail since he believes the state has a case.

"It is the finding of this court that there is a case for the applicants to answer to. It is the finding of this court that it would be reckless and irresponsible to allow the applicants out on bail. It is therefore the finding and the order of by this court that in the circumstances that bail is refused in respect of all five accused," ruled Hlatshwayo.

SPECULATIONS CONFIRMED 

In February this year the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that seven suspects linked to the murders had been arrested. 

This after Eswatini Times had reported that two of the suspects were detained in Eswatini but SAPS rubbished the news.

KwaZulu-Natal SAPS commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi then made an official announcement confirming what was reported as truth and explained that the first suspect was arrested in April 2023. Meanwhile, brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, detained in Eswatini remain in custody.

Their matter has been postponed to 14 June for arguments and an additional affidavit has been filed by the National Director of Public Prosecutions for the case to be treated with urgency.