The AKA murder trial set for 2026 suffered another setback on 24 July 2025. During a pre-trial session in the Durban High Court, Judge Jacqueline Henriques said incomplete witness lists and disputes over admissions stopped the case from moving forward. She postponed proceedings to 13 August to give both sides time to resolve the issues.
State and Defence Remain Divided
The State plans to call at least 45 witnesses for the trial of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes. Prosecutors may add more before the start date. Defence lawyers said they still lack statements for several new witnesses, which limits their ability to prepare fully. They also rejected some formal admissions under the Criminal Procedure Act, arguing that their clients do not agree with those statements.
Judge President Calls for Readiness
KwaZulu-Natal Judge President Thoba Poyo-Dlwati told both legal teams to prepare thoroughly for the AKA murder trial set for 2026. She warned that lengthy cases often turn into part-heard matters, which create scheduling problems. She also noted that judicial retirements could disrupt the trial if it stretches on unnecessarily. The court expects the hearing to run for about three months once it begins.
What Must Happen Before August
When court resumes on 13 August, the State and defence must confirm that they have resolved all outstanding matters. If they meet this requirement, the court could schedule the AKA murder trial set for 2026 in two sessions, one in July and the other in October. The Judge President will approve the dates after reviewing readiness from both parties.
Public Pressure Grows
The murder trial has attracted intense national attention since the arrests. Supporters, legal analysts and the wider public continue to follow each development closely. Every delay increases pressure on the court and legal teams to move the case forward without further disruption.
The August hearing offers a final chance to clear procedural hurdles so the AKA murder trial set for 2026 can begin without interruption and deliver long-awaited answers.
