WELL-KNOWN KZN taxi bosses, the Gcaba brothers, have broken their silence after their names were mentioned during AKA and Tibz's murder case on Wednesday, 27 March.
The brothers' names were revealed by the investigating officer, Detective Kumarasan Pillay in his affidavit to oppose the bail application of the five suspects linked to the murders of Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane.
Pillay revealed that the money trail of accused number four, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, who allegedly coordinated the hit, got a payment of R803 455 from one of the Gcaba brothers, Sydney Mfunda (Mfundo) Gcaba on 11 February 2023, a day after AKA was killed.
The detective also revealed that Gwabeni transferred that money to the co-accused and wrote the reference as "dividends" while there are no records that other suspects have shares in Gwabeni's company.
Mandla Gcaba of Gcaba Brothers said after their brother, Mfundo's name was recently mentioned in court, there has been much speculation in the public about the reason for the payment that was mentioned by the prosecution.
“As the Gcaba family, we acknowledge the gravity of the situation and widespread interest it has garnered. We wish to express our unwavering faith in the South African judiciary and affirm our commitment to cooperating fully with all arms of the state in the pursuit of justice,” he said.
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He said they wished to clarify the allegations directed towards their brother, Mfundo.
“Mfundo is an adult and is a successful businessman involved in various sectors, including mining and the taxi industry. It is important to note that financial transactions between him and Mr Gwabeni were purely for business purposes. The numerous transactions over a long period of time can be verified through bank records and were neither unique nor isolated,” he said.
Mandla said they are concerned that the authorities have not yet approached Mfundo to share his side of the story.
“We believe in the principle of fairness and the right to be heard and we urge that this opportunity be extended to him at the earliest convenience.
“It is crucial to understand that Mfundo has assured the family that he has no connections to any illegal activities, nor does he have any motive to engage in such. His business dealings are legitimate and transparent, having nothing to hide to anyone, least of all our law enforcement,” he said.
He added that the Gcaba family extend their deepest sympathies to the Forbes and Motsoane families for the tragic loss of their sons.
“It is the message we wish to extend to many South African families who lose their loved ones through violent crime that has afflicted our society. We express a sincere hope for a swift resolution to this case, allowing all affected families to find closure and healing,” he said.
