By Staff Reporter
Mziwethemba Gwabeni, one of 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 the pair before they were killed in Durban in February 2023.
The Durban High Court heard evidence concerning the vehicle, which the State alleges followed Forbes and his entourage from King Shaka International Airport to Florida Road, where the two men were fatally shot.
The State has also alleged that video footage shows Gwabeni following Forbes and his crew to their hotel in Umhlanga before they travelled to Florida Road.
Mechanic testifies about BMW
A mechanic who testified in court told proceedings that Gwabeni later asked him to sell the BMW because the cost of repairs had become too expensive.
According to the mechanic, the vehicle’s new owner was subsequently stopped by police, who allegedly informed the owner that the car had been reported stolen.
The mechanic said he was later summoned to Isipingo police station to explain how he had obtained the vehicle.
Gwabeni’s lawyer, Advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, told the court that the BMW was not his client’s primary vehicle and was among several cars he owned. He added that the vehicle was sometimes used by Gwabeni’s staff.
The evidence surrounding the BMW is expected to form part of the State’s effort to establish the alleged movements of the accused and the circumstances leading up to the murders.
Witnesses recount moments before shooting
The court also heard testimony from event coordinator Simphiwe Ngidi, who drove Forbes and his entourage on the day of the killings.
Ngidi recounted events surrounding the fatal shooting and testified about the presence of Forbes’ bodyguard, who was reportedly not standing beside the rapper when the shots were fired.
Both the State and the defence questioned witnesses about the bodyguard’s whereabouts at the time of the attack.
State prosecutor Elvis Gcweka also questioned witnesses about when Motsoane joined the group at the restaurant and the events leading up to their departure.
DJ describes hearing gunshots
Another witness, Tsidiso Mokoko, who identified himself as Forbes’ DJ, told the court he was walking ahead of Forbes and Motsoane as they left the restaurant when he noticed two vehicles blocking their car.
Mokoko testified that he heard loud bangs and saw flashes resembling sparks near the corner of his left eye.
He initially thought the sounds could have been fireworks but soon realised the situation was dangerous.
“I was scared,” Mokoko told the court, describing the moments when the gunfire erupted.
He said he ran back into the restaurant for cover because he was unsure what was happening.
Mokoko further testified that after returning inside, he saw Motsoane lying on the floor and bleeding heavily. He and another person then tried to contact emergency services and the police.
The witness said he had not seen Forbes’ bodyguard after the shooting. The trial continues.