Six individuals have been apprehended in connection with the tragic murders of South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, known as AKA, and his close friend Tebello “Tibz” Motshoane. The incident, which occurred a year ago, saw AKA and Tibz fatally shot outside a restaurant in Durban.
During a press briefing on Tuesday night, Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, revealed that hitmen were hired to target AKA, although the motive remains undisclosed. He emphasized that AKA was under surveillance from the airport, and Tibz was an unintended victim in the murder on Florida Road in Durban.
“We know they were paid for this,” Lt Gen Mkhwanazi stated, indicating that the six accused individuals had various roles in orchestrating AKA's assassination, with some linked to other murder cases. Exhibits recovered during the arrests included four vehicles, firearms associated with the murders of AKA and Motshoane, and empty cartridges.
The suspects, all aged under 36, are scheduled to appear in court by Thursday.
Minister of Police Bheki Cele, confirming the arrests, acknowledged the profound impact the killings of AKA and his friend had on the nation. He expressed hope that the arrests would bring a sense of relief to South Africans.
“We are all interested to know what the motive was," Cele commented, noting the evident planning and coordination behind the attacks.
AKA, who began his musical journey as part of the rap group Entity before embarking on a successful solo career, has earned numerous awards both domestically and internationally.