Sylvester Motsoane, father of the late Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, has reflected on how the anniversary of his wife’s passing painfully coincides with the murder trial of his son, which began on 5 October 2026.
Tebello’s mother, Rayhab Niniwe Motsoane, passed away in October 2023, just months after losing her son. The celebrity chef was fatally shot alongside rapper AKA in February 2023 in Durban.
Their untimely passing shook the nation, their families and the entertainment industry, as both men were regarded as trailblazers in their respective fields.
The trial is taking place at the Durban High Court, where seven accused are facing multiple charges, including two counts of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and firearms and ammunition-related offenses.
TEBELLO MOTSOANE’S FATHER SPEAKS OUT
In an interview with eNCA, Sylvester Motsoane fondly reflected on the close bond Tebello shared with his wife.
“My son was close to my wife. They were like a team. I was like an outsider. Today is the worst day to remember my son because today, the 5th of October, is when my wife passed on, and it coincides with this court case, so that’s why I decided, no, maybe my son is watching over me somewhere, and my wife is watching from somewhere to see if I follow her son’s death (trial).
When asked, “What will justice look like to you?” he responded, “Justice is something that is very difficult to say because it’s in the hands of the judges,” he said.
“If they give good justice, I’ll be happy; if they don’t give good justice, I have no word. It’s out of my control, but I’d like to see them have penalty for whatever they’ve done,” he added.
Sylvester Motsoane, father of Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, says October 5 marks three years since his wife’s passing – an anniversary that now coincides with the start of the long-awaited trial into the murders of Motsoane and rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes. Seven accused are facing a string of serious charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of murder, attempted murder, and firearms and ammunition offences. Tune in to #eNCA on #DStv403.
— eNCA (@eNCA) October 5, 2026
RAYHAB: ‘THE BEGINNING OF MY MISERY’
During an interview on Carte Blanche shortly after Tebello’s passing, his parents reflected on losing their son, with his mother saying:
“I felt numb. I couldn’t cry. [A] feeling of disbelief: ‘No, it can’t happen to Tebello.’ That was the beginning of my misery,” she said.