Seven Arrested in Connection with AKA Murder

CNTLIVE AUDIO

Seven Arrested in Connection with AKA Murder

Play Episode Pause Episode

Mute/Unmute Episode Rewind 10 Seconds 1x Fast Forward 30 seconds

00:00 / 2:08

Acast YouTube

RSS Feed

Share

Link

Embed

Seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the murders of well-known South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA, and his close friend, celebrity chef and entrepreneur Tebello “Tibz” Motshoane.

The two were gunned down outside a restaurant in Durban a year ago, in a killing that shocked South Africans. Police said hitmen were paid to target AKA, but no motive was revealed. AKA had a successful career with hits including collaborations with Nigeria’s Burna Boy.

The suspects, all aged below 36, are due to appear in court on Thursday. “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,” said Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, in a press briefing.

“We know they were paid for this,” he added. The suspects played different roles in the plot, including two gunmen, three spotters, someone who sourced firearms, and the alleged mastermind. Some are also linked to other unrelated murder cases.

Six suspects were arrested on Tuesday evening, and a seventh was arrested on Wednesday morning. The two alleged gunmen were found in Eswatini and are to be extradited to face charges.

Exhibits recovered include vehicles, firearms linked to the murders, and empty cartridges. Police Minister Bheki Cele acknowledged the impact of the killings and said he hoped South Africans would feel safer after the arrests.

The motive is expected to be revealed in court. AKA began his musical career with the rap group Entity before going solo and winning awards in South Africa and receiving international nominations and recognition. He received a posthumous honor at the BET Hip Hop Awards last year.