DURBAN – CCTV footage presented in the Durban High Court has placed fresh attention on the movements of a man seen following rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes at King Shaka International Airport on the day he was murdered.

The footage was presented during the trial of seven men accused of killing Forbes and his friend, businessman Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, outside a restaurant on Durban’s Florida Road on 10 February 2023.

An airport surveillance analyst testified about recordings showing Forbes and members of his entourage moving through the airport shortly after their arrival.

A man visible in the footage appeared to follow the group.

Courtroom reporting indicated that the individual resembled accused number four, Mziwethemba Gwabini.

However, the prosecution did not ask the surveillance analyst to formally identify the man in the footage.

Airport movements under scrutiny

The recordings have become an important focus of the State’s presentation of evidence concerning the movements of Forbes before the shooting.

The footage shows the rapper travelling through the airport accompanied by members of his team.

A man appears in the recordings at various points as the group moves through the terminal.

The State previously indicated during bail proceedings that it possessed footage allegedly linking one of the accused to the rapper’s movements at the airport.

However, the question of identity remains important.

A resemblance observed in CCTV footage is not, on its own, conclusive proof that the person shown is a particular accused.

Grey BMW features in testimony

The court has also heard evidence concerning a grey BMW allegedly associated with movements from the airport towards Forbes’s hotel and later the Florida Road area.

A witness previously testified that the vehicle belonged to Gwabini.

Prosecutors are seeking to establish how the movements of people and vehicles relate to the events leading up to the murders.

The defence is entitled to challenge the reliability of identification evidence, the interpretation of the footage and any alleged connections between the accused and the movements captured on camera.

The court must ultimately assess the evidence as a whole.

Witness safety concerns raised

Proceedings on Tuesday also brought renewed attention to the protection of witnesses.

The airport surveillance analyst reportedly informed the court that he had received threats after giving evidence.

State prosecutor Elvis Gcweka subsequently raised concerns about the visibility of witnesses during the proceedings and requested restrictions on showing their faces.

Two additional witnesses expected to testify have also reportedly requested protection of their identities.

The concerns highlight the difficulties involved in presenting evidence in a high-profile murder trial that is attracting substantial public attention.

Seven accused deny guilt

Forbes and Motsoane were shot and killed outside a restaurant in February 2023.

Their deaths sparked nationwide outrage and an extensive police investigation.

Seven men are now standing trial in connection with the killings.

All have pleaded not guilty.

The State’s case includes testimony concerning surveillance footage, alleged movements of vehicles and individuals, and other evidence gathered during the investigation.

The defence continues to challenge aspects of the prosecution’s case.

The court has not yet determined whether the man seen in the airport recordings was one of the accused or what role, if any, the footage establishes in relation to the murders.

The trial continues, with the court expected to assess further evidence concerning the events leading up to the fatal shooting.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content