The Durban High Court is set to hear an application to split the trial of the seven men accused of killing rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his close friend and businessman Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane. The application, brought by the defence, seeks to have accused number three, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, face six additional counts on his own, separate from the main trial.
All seven accused pleaded not guilty on Monday, 5 October 2026, to charges including double murder, attempted murder, and firearms offences. The trial has captivated public attention since the shocking murders of Forbes and Motsoane outside a Durban restaurant in February 2023. The two men were gunned down in what prosecutors allege was a carefully orchestrated hit.
The defence’s application to split the trial is based on the argument that Myeza faces additional charges that are unrelated to the main indictment and should be tried separately to ensure a fair hearing for all accused. The State is expected to oppose the application, arguing that the charges are interconnected and that a joint trial is in the interests of justice and judicial efficiency.
The proceedings have been closely watched by the families of the victims, who have attended court sessions in search of answers and accountability. AKA, one of South Africa’s most beloved hip-hop artists, was a household name whose murder sent shockwaves through the music industry and the nation. Motsoane, his longtime friend and associate, was also killed in the attack.
The case has been plagued by delays and legal manoeuvring, with the accused having made multiple appearances since their arrest. The State has indicated that it has a strong case, built on witness testimony, forensic evidence, and cellphone data. However, the defence has signalled that it will challenge the evidence and argue that the prosecution’s case is based on circumstantial evidence.
As the court prepares to hear the split-trial application, the families of the victims brace themselves for another round of legal proceedings. For them, the pursuit of justice has been a long and painful journey, and the outcome of this application could determine how soon the trial proper begins. For the accused, the application represents a strategic move that could reshape the legal landscape of the case. For the public, it is another chapter in a saga that has exposed the darker side of South Africa’s entertainment industry and the violence that lurks beneath the surface of celebrity life.
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