As the inquest into the murder of South African rapper AKA continues, it has been revealed that his alleged killers were paid R800, 000 by Mfundo Gcaba, an infamous taxi boss who is also the nephew of former South African president Jacob Zuma.
Gcaba, one of the infamous Gcaba brothers, allegedly paid more than R800, 000 into the account of one of the accused on 11 February, a day after the murder of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
This was revealed when State Advocate Elvis Gcweka read out the affidavit of the investigating officer, in the Durban Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Forbes and his friend, celebrity chef Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane were gunned down on Durban’s Florida Road on 10 February 2024.
According to the state accused number four, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, made a call to a number linked to Gcaba, a day after Forbes and Motsoane were killed.
“Shortly after this call an amount of R803 455 is transferred to the bank account of the applicant. The bank statement attached in his affidavit but not showing the period of these transactions,” says Gcweka.
The Durban based Gcaba has a history of brushes with the law.
In 2015 Gcaba, along with William Kunene, Hezekiah Masiteng, Xolani Mhlongo, Vusi Ngubane, Sibongiseni Khanyile, Lucas Mhlenti, Brett Rayner, Thulani Dyanti, Mandla Nkosi and Mhlabunzima Gasa, were arrested after a shooting at the Brook Street taxi rank which left three people dead, including an innocent commuter.
The Gcaba brother’s ’father Simon Mkhulekelwa Gcaba started the taxi empire in the early 70’s. Mkhulelwa had five wives and was assassinated in February 1996 in a suspected taxi violence hit. The brothers, led by Mandla Gcaba, took over their father’s businesses.
The Gcaba brothers’ organisation has been linked to various criminal activities, including murder, extortion, weapon trafficking, and illegal business. They are known throughout SA for being ruthless to many who have dared to cross their path.
It is believed that the Gcaba brothers have used their wealth to buy the loyalty of several police officials and powerful politicians.
The brothers were also accused of financially sponsoring the July 2021 unrest after Zuma’s arrest.
