Extradition delay for two implicated in AKA’s murder

THE brothers implicated in the murders of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and Tebello Motsoane – Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande – will not be brought back to South Africa just yet, as the country has yet to file an application for their extradition from Eswatini.

The State was reportedly expected to file a formal application yesterday to have the two brought back to South Africa.

The Manzini Magistrate’s Court in Eswatini heard yesterday that no application had been received.

The brothers were arrested in Mbabane, Eswatini, last month for their alleged involvement in the February 2023 murders.

They face charges of murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. They were also implicated in the murders of Mntimande Kunene, Nhlanhla Ngcobo and Zamokuhle Mkhwanazi-Ngcobo.

At their court appearance last week, State Prosecutor Macebo Nxumalo said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) was yet to file an extradition application.

Nxumalo said the NPA would file it within the 30-day deadline for applications. If the NPA misses the prescribed deadline, the men may seek bail. The deadline lapses on March 26.

NPA spokesperson in Kwa-Zulu Natal Natasha Ramkisson-Kara previously said the extradition documents were being attended to.

“There will be no further comments on the matter. The Extradition Act provides all the time limits, processes and procedures and the NPA will be acting accordingly,” she said.

Nxumalo also asked for the court to grant them permission to turn over four cellphones found in the brothers’ possession, which was contested by their lawyer.

Meanwhile, the remaining five accused in the murders – Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi, 30; Lindani Ndimande, 35; Siyanda Myeza, 21; Mziwethemba Gwabeni, 36; and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande, 29, were expected back in court this week.

The dates for the bail applications have been set for March 14, 18, 19 and 27.