Accused’s BMW in focus at AKA, Tibz murder trial

Mziwethemba Gwabeni, who is one of the seven accused in the murder trial of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and businessman Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane , has admitted owning a grey BMW allegedly used to track Forbes and his crew before his murder in Durban in February 2023.

The state alleges the vehicle followed Forbes and his entourage from King Shaka International Airport to Florida Road, where the two men were killed.

A mechanic who testified in court says Gwabeni later asked him to sell the car because repairs had become too expensive.

He told the court that the vehicle’s new owner was subsequently stopped by police, who allegedly said it had been stolen.

The mechanic says he was later summoned to Isipingo police station to explain how he had obtained the vehicle.

Gwabeni, through his lawyer, told the court that the BMW was one of several vehicles he owned.

The state alleges that video footage shows accused number one, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, dubbed the alleged mastermind, following AKA and his crew from King Shaka International Airport to their Umhlanga hotel.

The court heard that they later followed the crew to Florida Road, where AKA and Tibz were murdered.

Gwabeni’s lawyer, Advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, told the court the vehicle in question is not his client’s primary car and is sometimes used by his staff.

An event coordinator, Simphiwe Ngidi who drove Forbes and his crew on the day of the murders, recounted the moments surrounding the fatal shooting.

Ngidi also testified that AKA’s bodyguard was with the group, but not beside the rapper when the shooting occurred.

State Prosector Elvis Gcweka led evidence in court, “Motsoane known as Tibz joined at the restaurant.

He was at the restaurant and his girlfriend was preparing to join.

What stage did he join you.