Nomonde Zondi|Published
In a heart-wrenching testimony at the Durban High Court, Lusaso Ngcobo recounted the aftermath of the shooting that killed popular South African rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend, chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
The Mercury reported the testimony as Ngcobo described how Motsoane, bleeding from a wound beneath his left arm, repeatedly gasped, “I can’t breathe.”
The events took place outside the Wish restaurant on Florida Road on February 10, 2023, where a group of friends had gathered to reconnect over dinner.
From a happy get-together, everything changed in an instant when shots rang out, likened by Ngcobo to the sound of firecrackers. His immediate reaction was instinctive: he ducked for cover amid the ensuing chaos.
“Then I saw everyone running, realising that this was not a safe situation,” Ngcobo testified, visibly shaken. He recounted how he ran back into the restaurant only to see Motsoane collapse, struggling to breathe amidst the chaos of fleeing patrons.
“I looked back to check if he was okay because I saw some blood, but I can’t remember if the blood was on him or on the floor. I asked him if he was okay and he repeatedly said, ‘I can’t breathe’,” Ngcobo shared, his voice breaking as he recalled the frantic moments of trying to help his friend.
As Ngcobo rushed to assist, he realised that AKA had also been struck and lay nearby. The tension in the courtroom was palpable as he described the frantic search for towels to help stem the bleeding and the desperate call for an ambulance. “Someone advised that towels would absorb the blood and that we should instead try to find plastic,” he said, revealing the situation's urgency and confusion.
Ngcobo also testified that he reunited with AKA at a bridal salon where the rapper was getting ready, then went to dinner at Wish.
A procedural matter in court took precedence as Senior State Advocate Elvis Gcweka made an application to protect the witness’s identity.
Previous testimonies had led to witnesses receiving threats after their images were circulated on media platforms, raising concerns for their safety and business interests. Judge Nomfundo Sipunzi granted the request, ensuring that Ngcobo’s face would not be shown on television.
Seven men Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Gwabeni and Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Mkhwanazi and Ndimande brothers Malusi Dave and Siyabonga Gezani are on trial for the killings of AKA and Tibz.