In a significant development, authorities have apprehended six suspects in connection with the tragic murders of South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, widely known as AKA, and his close friend Tebello “Tibz” Motshoane.
The unfortunate incident occurred a year ago when AKA and his friend were fatally shot outside a restaurant in Durban.
Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, disclosed in a press briefing that hitmen were hired to target AKA, yet the motive remains undisclosed. He stated, “It was clear that AKA was monitored from the airport, and Tibz was not the intended target in the murder on Florida Road in Durban.”
“We know they were paid for this,” Lt Gen Mkwananzi added, emphasizing that the six accused individuals played various roles in the plot to kill AKA, with some of them also linked to other murder cases.
During the arrests, law enforcement recovered exhibits including four vehicles, firearms associated with the murders of AKA and Motshoane, and empty cartridges.
The suspects, all aged below 36, are scheduled to appear in court by Thursday.
Confirming the arrests, Minister of Police Bheki Cele acknowledged the profound impact of the CCTV-captured killings of AKA and his friend on the nation. “I hope South Africans will sleep better after this,” he remarked, expressing the collective interest in understanding the motive behind the crime.
“It is very clear that it was not a case of someone waking up angry in the morning. You can see that in the build-up and coordination,” Minister Bheki Cele added.
AKA, who initially began his musical career as part of the rap group Entity, later embarked on a successful solo journey, earning numerous awards both in South Africa and internationally.
