A murder trial in the Durban High Court for rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane faces repeated procedural disruptions. The start of the case against seven men is delayed after a malfunctioning prisoners’ lift and late arrivals cause postponement, according to reporting from IOL and News24. Later, proceedings are halted by a security breach after a cellphone is found on one of the accused, again delaying court business.
As the trial begins, outlets report changes and legal moves around the defence, including adjustments to defence teams and an application relating to separating one accused’s case. Coverage is also shaped by court directions on media access. News24 and IOL report that accredited media can broadcast parts of the trial but must follow restrictions meant to protect witnesses, including rules on what can be shown or published.
Some reporting also notes that the court adjusts its earlier directive on witness testimony, with one IOL report saying the court lifts parts of a ban on reporting witness evidence while still requiring protection of witnesses’ identities and personal details.
