Johannesburg, South Africa – Seven individuals have been apprehended in connection with the tragic murders of prominent South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, better known as AKA, and his close associate, celebrity chef and entrepreneur Tebello “Tibz” Motshoane. The fatal incident occurred a year ago outside a restaurant in Durban, generating widespread shock and disbelief throughout South Africa.
Authorities have disclosed that hitmen were commissioned to target AKA, but the motive behind the gruesome act remains undisclosed to the public. A respected figure in the music industry, AKA had a string of successful hits, including collaborations with Nigerian artist Burna Boy.
All of the suspects, who are aged under 36, are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, as confirmed by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the police commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal province. Investigations revealed that AKA was under surveillance from the airport, and the attack on Florida Road in Durban was not intended for Motshoane.
Lt. Gen. Mkhwanazi also mentioned that the perpetrators were financially compensated for the crime, with each playing a distinct role in the meticulously planned operation. The suspects include two gunmen responsible for the fatal shots, three individuals who tracked AKA from the airport, a person who procured the firearms used in the attack, and the mastermind behind the heinous act.
Moreover, some of the suspects were found to have ties to unrelated murder cases, illustrating a pattern of criminal behavior. The police successfully arrested six of the suspects on Tuesday evening, with a seventh individual apprehended the following morning. The seventh suspect, a 30-year-old South African native hailing from KwaZulu-Natal province, is believed to have served as a lookout during the incident.
The police managed to locate the two armed assailants in Eswatini through a coordinated Interpol operation. Plans are underway to extradite the suspects back to South Africa to face murder charges in connection with the deaths of AKA and Motshoane. Of significant note, exhibits recovered during the arrests included firearms linked to the murders and crucial evidence such as empty cartridges and four vehicles.
Acknowledging the distress caused by this high-profile case, Police Minister Bheki Cele expressed hope that the arrests would provide a sense of closure to the South African population, known for experiencing high crime rates. According to Cele, the motive behind the killings will be revealed in due course as the investigation progresses, shedding light on the intricate planning and coordination involved in the meticulously orchestrated attack.
AKA’s impactful career as a musician began with the rap group Entity before he transitioned into a successful solo career, earning multiple accolades for his work in South Africa and securing international acclaim with nominations for esteemed awards such as BET and MTV Europe. Despite the tragic end to his life, AKA’s musical legacy continues to resonate within the industry, with posthumous honors bestowed upon him at prestigious events like the BET Hip Hop Awards.