South African authorities have apprehended six individuals linked to the high-profile murders of renowned rapper Kiernan Forbes, also known as AKA, and his close associate Tebello “Tibz” Motshoane, a celebrity chef and entrepreneur.
The tragic incident unfolded on February 10, 2023, when the duo was fatally shot outside a popular Durban restaurant, just hours before AKA was slated to perform at a nearby club.
AKA, who rose to fame as a member of the rap group ‘Entity’ before embarking on a successful solo career, was a revered figure in the South African music scene and beyond.
Throughout his career, he earned numerous awards, including recognition at both the Black Entertainment Television and MTV Europe Music Awards. His talent and contributions to the industry were honored posthumously at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards.
The arrests follow extensive investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killings, which have now been revealed to be a targeted attack.
KwaZulu-Natal provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, disclosed in a statement that AKA was tracked from the airport to the Durban location where the attack occurred, clarifying that Motshoane was not the primary target.
South Africa’s Police Minister, Bheki Cele, confirmed that the murders, captured on Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, had deeply shocked the nation, already grappling with one of the world’s highest murder rates.
Cele expressed hope that the arrests would offer some solace to South Africans and contribute to a sense of justice for the victims and their families.
The suspects are set to appear in court on Thursday, where they will face charges related to the murder of AKA and Tibz.
