A club promoter told the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban on Tuesday, 13 October, that he thought the loud bangs outside a Florida Road restaurant were fireworks, and then that someone was playing a prank, before he realised that Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane had been shot.

Seven men are on trial over the killings on 10 February 2023. They are accused, face charges that include murder and conspiracy to commit murder, and are presumed innocent.

What the witness told the court

Simphiwe Ngidi gave evidence-in-chief. He said he collected Forbes and his entourage from King Shaka International Airport, took them to their hotel, and later to the now-defunct Wish restaurant on Florida Road.

Forbes and Motsoane were shot outside the restaurant after the group finished dinner and went outside to say goodbye. Ngidi said: "I thought it was a prank." He heard someone shout that there was a gun, was pushed into a passageway and ran inside.

He said he saw Motsoane injured and crawling in the passage, and saw Forbes on the floor with blood coming from his body, which made him realise Forbes might have died. He said he and others contacted emergency services and tried to secure the scene.

The accused and the charges

Seven men are on trial. They face charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and offences involving illegal firearms and ammunition. The state alleges they were paid R800,000 for their involvement. These are allegations that the state must prove. The accused are presumed innocent.

Evidence presented earlier in the trial includes cellphone records, CCTV footage, bank records and vehicle registration information, according to coverage of the proceedings.

Background and next steps

Judge Nomfundo Sipunzi relaxed earlier media restrictions, so witnesses may now be identified and their testimony broadcast unless the court issues a directive prohibiting it.

On 8 October the court adjourned after two witnesses said they were uncomfortable testifying in open court. Senior State Advocate Elvis Gcweka said arrangements were being made for witnesses to testify from intermediary rooms in the coming weeks, and that other witnesses were lined up to testify in open court.

What we do not yet know

  • The next court date. The report we reviewed does not give one.
  • The outcome of cross-examination of the witness.
  • Which witnesses will testify next, and how many will use intermediary rooms.
  • How long the trial will run.