AKA murder: Bail application continues for suspects in Durban

The bail application of the five men charged with the murder of rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes continues at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. 

The State is expected to continue arguing against the bail application of Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi (30), Lindani Zenzele Ndimande (35), Siyanda Eddie Myeza (21), Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni (36) and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande (29) were charged for the murder of AKA and his friend Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane.

BAIL APPLICATION OF AKA MURDER SUSPECTS CONTINUES

In the last court appearance, the State revealed that taxi boss Sydney Mfundo Gcaba deposited R803 455 into the business account of accused 4 a day after AKA was murdered.

Furthermore, Gwabeni shared the money with his co-accused including the two who were arrested in Eswatini.

State prosecutor advocate Elvis Gcweka told the court that before the money was deposited on 11 February, Gwabeni made a call to a number linked to Sydney Mfundo Gcaba. The money was paid by a company called Bright Circle, which Gcaba owns.

“Shorty after this call, an amount of R803 455 is transferred to the bank account of the applicant (Gwabeni). The bank statements are attached to his affidavit but not showing the period of these transactions. The money was transferred from a bank account of the company Bright Circle,” Gcweka told the court.

In his affidavit, Gwabeni said the R800 000 was for consultation services. However, the State believes the payment was for the hit on AKA.

GCABA BROTHERS RESPOND TO ALLEGATIONS

In a statement, one of the Gcaba brothers, Mandla, said Mfundo is a successful businessman in various sectors, including coal mining and the taxi industry.

Mandla said financial transactions between Mfundo and Gwabeni (accused 4) were purely for business purposes. He added that bank records can verify numerous transactions that are not unique or isolated.

“We are concerned that the authorities have not yet approached Mfundo to share his side of the story. We believe in the principle of fairness and the right to be heard. We urge that this opportunity be extended to him at the earliest convenience,” Mandla Gcaba explained.

Furthermore, Mandla said Mfundo has assured them as a family that he has no connections to illegal activities, nor does he have any motive to engage in such.

“His business dealings are legitimate and transparent, having nothing to hide from anyone, least of all our law enforcement. We stand united in our support for Mfundo and remain steadfast in our commitment to the rule of law,” Mandla added.

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