The investigation into the murders of South African rapper AKA and his friend Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane has taken a new turn, with authorities alleging that a prominent businessman in the country transferred over R800 000 (Sh5,548,406) to one of the suspects.
According to the authorities, the money was then distributed as payment to the other people allegedly involved in the killings.
This revelation came to light during the bail application hearing for five of the seven suspects charged with the murders of AKA and Tibz in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, March 27.
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The accused, Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi (30), Lindani Zenzele Ndimande (35), Siyanda Eddie Myeza (21), Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni (36) and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande (29), face serious charges including conspiracy to murder, murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, five counts of attempted murder and money laundering.
Although the quintet have vehemently denied the State’s case against them, calling it weak, damning evidence has emerged, including bank statements which allegedly show a payment of R803,455 (Sh 5,572,368) from Durban businessman Sydney Mfunda Gcaba to an individual named Gwabeni.
The State further alleges that Gwabeni then distributed these funds to other suspects involved in the case.
An affidavit by Warrant Officer Kumarasan Pillay, presented by State Attorney Advocate Elvis Gcweka, details the suspicious financial activities.
According to the affidavit, mobile phone records show a call made by the alleged hitman, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, to a number linked to the businessman, Mr Gcaba.
Following this call, a payment was made to Gwabeni’s account from a company called Bright Circle, of which Gcaba is the sole director.
The affidavit further highlights that Gwabeni disguised the payment as “dividends” even though none of the other suspects appear to be employed by Bright Circle. This raises suspicions of money laundering, Pillay said.
He further stated that the accused were paid amounts ranging from R33,000 (Sh2,28,871) to R133,000 (Sh922,422) for their alleged involvement in the murder.
The prosecutor also meticulously laid out a digital trail, using mobile phone records and bank statements as breadcrumbs to pinpoint the accused’s movements on the tragic night of the murders.
“The State will present evidence at trial to show that the applicants conspired to kill the first deceased in this matter,” said prosecution lawyer Elvis Gcweka.
“Our evidence suggests that the applicants and their associates operate as a gang. Part of the group is involved in supplying stolen vehicles and firearms, while other members of the group carry out killings.”
Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, who were arrested in Eswatini last month, await their next court appearance on 9 April. The brothers are linked to Lindani Zenzele Ndimande and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande.
In a brutal attack on February 10, 2023, AKA and his friend Tibz were fatally shot outside the Wish restaurant in Durban. The close-range gunshot wound to the head proved fatal.
The case is still in court.
