The two brothers accused of killing South African rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane are set to return to South Africa to stand trial after the Kingdom of Eswatini granted an extradition order.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that it has received the official surrender order for Siyabonga Ndimande and Malusi Ndimande, who are wanted in connection with multiple serious crimes, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The extradition follows the pair’s decision to abandon their appeal against extradition in the Eswatini courts on 3 November 2025.
According to SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, logistical arrangements are being finalized to bring the brothers back to South Africa on Tuesday, 11 November 2025. “The SAPS confirms that it is finalising logistical arrangements to execute the order. We thank the Eswatini authorities for their cooperation and assistance in ensuring that the suspects are brought back to the country to answer to the crimes committed,” said Mathe.
The Ndimande brothers were arrested earlier this year in Eswatini following months of investigations involving Interpol South Africa and Interpol Eswatini. Their capture was viewed as a breakthrough in the case, which had drawn national and international attention since the murder of the popular artist and his friend outside a Durban restaurant in February 2023.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi confirmed the extradition order in a statement issued on Wednesday. “The Department has received confirmation that the pair will be brought back to South Africa on 11 November 2025 to stand trial on charges that include murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition,” said Kubayi.
She said the extradition order was granted by the Acting Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini, following the withdrawal of the suspects’ appeal. All arrangements for their transfer are being coordinated through established diplomatic and law enforcement channels between the two countries.
“The Department of Justice and the South African Police Service are working closely with Eswatini authorities to ensure a smooth and secure handover of the suspects,” Kubayi added.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola welcomed the progress and praised the cooperation between law enforcement agencies. “We remain confident that we have a strong case against the suspects, who face 24 charges relating to three different cases,” said Masemola.
The SAPS said the charges against the Ndimande brothers include conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of murder, attempted murder, and unlawful possession of automatic firearms and ammunition.
Once the brothers arrive in South Africa, they are expected to be taken to KwaZulu-Natal where they will make their first court appearance. Details of the court date and location will be announced after their arrival.
The extradition marks a major step forward in one of South Africa’s most closely followed murder cases. The killing of AKA and Tibz in Durban’s Florida Road shocked the country and led to widespread calls for justice.
Law enforcement officials say the successful extradition demonstrates regional cooperation in tackling cross-border crime. The police continue to investigate other suspects believed to have been involved in planning and executing the attack.
