Nomonde Zondi|Published
CCTV footage showing Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane chatting with friends at AuthentiQ Bar & Restaurant on Florida Road, seemingly unaware of the tragedy that lay ahead, was played at the Durban High Court on Thursday as the State continued presenting evidence in the murder case of Motsoane and his friend Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes.
Motsoane, who was shot dead alongside his friend, rapper AKA on February 10, 2023, is seen seated outside the restaurant with two other people, engaged in what appears to be a casual conversation.
As time passes, more people join the group, with some seen fetching chairs from neighbouring tables.
While Tibz socialises, a man believed to be one of the accused is seen walking past the table several times. The man, who has not yet been identified by witnesses, is wearing a white T-shirt, shorts and a black bucket hat.
The State alleges that the man had arrived in a grey Volkswagen Polo Vivo parked a short distance from where Motsoane and his associates were seated. The parking bays along Florida Road were adjacent to the outdoor seating area.
Footage shows the man entering AuthentiQ, which was next door to Wish on Florida, where AKA was also having his final meal in Durban. He is later seen entering Wish, before appearing again near the table where Tibz was seated.
Previous testimony revealed that Tibz later joined AKA at Wish. The two friends were shot outside the restaurant after sharing what witnesses described as their final hugs as they prepared to go their separate ways.
Constable Rajen Saunders, who has extensive training in CCTV and video surveillance, testified that a Polo was also seen passing the Hilton Garden Inn in Umhlanga, where AKA and his entourage were staying.
The vehicle was captured shortly after the white Hyundai Staria transporting AKA and his entourage entered the hotel’s parking area. Saunders said he believed it was the same Polo because its passenger was wearing a white T-shirt.
“The reason I say that this is the same Polo is because the passenger is wearing a white T-shirt,” Saunders testified.
The court has also heard that the Polo was among the vehicles hired by fourth accused Mziwethemba Gwabeni.
Earlier on Thursday, Saunders identified Gwabeni as the alleged driver of a grey BMW seen following AKA’s vehicle from King Shaka International Airport to the hotel in Umhlanga.
Gwabeni is standing trial alongside Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande, and brothers Siyabonga and Melusi Ndimande over the murders of the two friends.
The trial continues.
nomonde.zondi@iol.co.za
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