AKA murder trial adjourned until next week for defence preparation - TimesLIVE

The murder trial of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane was adjourned in the Durban high court on Thursday until Monday to allow the defence to prepare for the cross-examination of car tracking expert Carel Rothmann.

He was giving evidence in the trial of seven men accused of killing AKA and Tibz outside the now-defunct Wish restaurant in Florida Road, Durban, in February 2023.

Defence counsel Simphiwe Mlotshwa asked for the matter to stand down on Thursday, saying the defence needed more time to prepare to cross-examine Rothmann.

“We have to consult with our experts; we will need more time. In the interest of time, we should stand down this witness and continue with other witnesses?” Mlotshwa asked.

Judge Nomfundo Sipunzi said she was not going to force the defence to continue cross-examining the witness if they did not feel ready.

She asked state prosecutor Lawrence Gcaba if he had other witnesses prepared.

Gcaba said he had not prepared other witnesses because he expected the defence to cross-examine Rothmann.

There was drama on Wednesday when the defence team tried to stop Rothmann testifying.

The incident led Sipunzi to adjourn the trial and summon all parties to her chambers for a meeting.