A former police officer has told the Durban High Court how he led a team that arrested Siyanda Eddie Myeza, one of the seven men standing trial for the murders of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
The officer, who previously served in the South African Police Service’s Tactical Response Team (TRT), testified that Myeza was arrested in Umlazi’s L Section in April 2023 on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The arrest took place about two months after Forbes and Motsoane were shot dead on Florida Road in Durban on February 10, 2023.
The Mercury reported that the officer told the court that he and another TRT member were on night shift on April 21, 2023, when they received information from the Crime Intelligence Unit about a suspect allegedly in possession of a firearm.
The team proceeded to Myeza’s home, where the officer said they found him inside a shack.
He testified that the door was slightly ajar but appeared to be touching the floor. After knocking and identifying themselves as police officers, the team forced the door open.
The officer, who left the SAPS earlier this year, confirmed that he had worked with a TRT member who testified in the trial last Thursday.
Seven men are standing trial in connection with the killings: Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Myeza, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Mkhwanazi, Malusi Dave Ndimande and Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande.
Three-hour delay before proceedings
The trial, scheduled to begin at 9.30am on Monday, was delayed by several disruptions.
Proceedings were initially affected by a power outage. The court was also told that Myeza’s counsel, advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, and advocate William Nicholson SC, who represents Gwabeni, had become stuck in a lift while travelling to the 12th floor, where the trial is being heard.
The court was subsequently informed that the prisoner’s lift was also out of service. The matter was stood down until the lifts were operational.
