SOUTH AFRICA – The five men accused of being behind the murder of South African rapper AKA, are set to continue their stay in prison, with the Magistrate hearing their bail application deciding that it would be reckless and irresponsible to release them as they had a case to answer to.
AKA and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane were shot dead outside the now-defunct restaurant, Wish on Florida in Durban, in February 2023. According to the police, AKA was the target and Tibz was collateral damage.
The five accused of the murders are Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Ndimande.
The suspects face several charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, five counts of attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and money laundering. They also have other pending legal matters.
Handing down judgment, Magistrate Vincent Hlatshwayo said that evidence had so far shown that the five had questions to answer and thus it would be amiss if they were released. He also said that some of the accused had documented history of dangerous behaviour.
“Applicants played a pivotal role in the murder or the commission of this offense – that is the murder of the deceased. According to evidence, applicant 3 has a propensity to commit a series of serious crimes.
“In the circumstances which is in this court, is that there is a case for the applicants to answer. It is the finding of this court that it will be reckless and irresponsible to allow the applicants on bail,” said the magistrate.
According to the State, Gwabeni was the alleged coordinator of the hit and he received R800 000 from multimillionaire taxi business owner Mfundo Gcaba for it, where after he shared the money with his co-accused after AKA and Tibz had been killed.
During the bail application, the court heard that Gcaba, who has never been charged in connection with the matter, had released a press statement denying that he sponsored AKA’s assassination. Telly Africa
