AKA murder accused says payment of R800k was for services of consult

The alleged mastermind in the murder of rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes Mziwethemba Gwabeni says the R800 000 deposited into his account was from a reputable company.

Gwabeni is among five of the seven suspects applying for bail in the Durban Magistrate’s Court.

AKA MURDER SUSPECT SAYS R800 000 WAS FROM A COMPANY

In February this year, reports surfaced that the suspects linked to the murder of Forbes and his friend Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane were paid R800 000. However, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Commissioner in KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, did not want to confirm the payment.

Mkhwanazi announced the arrest of the seven suspects linked to the murder of AKA after the reports surfaced. He also revealed the role each of the seven men played in executing the hit.

Despite SAPS refusing to comment on the R800 000, a court document filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions in KZN Elaine Harrison confirmed the amount.

A mere R800k for AKA's life 😩💔pic.twitter.com/4IRXGHrw0P

— Peché Africa 🇿🇦 (@pmcafrica) February 27, 2024

According to police, Gwabeni who is reportedly a businessman and owns Gwabs Mining in Mpumalanga assembled and paid the other suspects.

The six had different roles, from spotters to a get-away vehicle coordinator. The roles included two shooters, two spotters, a coordinator, and the organiser of firearms and vehicles.

On Tuesday, 19 March, Gwabeni’s legal representative Advocate Joe Wolmarans read his affidavit in court.

Gwabeni said the R803 000 paid into his account was from a reputable company with whom he had done business before. He added that it was for the services of consult.

“In fact, our relationship goes back as early as three years back,” his lawyer said.

[WATCH] Accused 4 in the AKA and Tibz murder case Mziwethemba Gwabeni says the R800 000 that was paid into his account was from a reputable company – for business. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/iZWXrd3fXm

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 19, 2024

EXTRADITION OF TWO SUSPECTS FINALLY UNDERWAY

On Tuesday, the Department of Justice confirmed that Minister Ronald Lamola had approved and transmitted a request from South Africa for the extradition of two AKA murder suspects from the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Police have linked the two brothers Siyabonga and Dave Ndimande to the murder of AKA. They reportedly fled to the neighbouring country after Forbes died.

The two brothers were also arrested in February in Mbabane for separate matters. They have appeared in the Manzini Magistrate’s Court in Eswatini three times.

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