South African authorities have apprehended six suspects in connection with the tragic murder of superstar rapper Kiernan Forbes, widely known as AKA, and his close friend, celebrity chef and entrepreneur Tebello “Tibz” Motshoane.
The duo fell victim to the violence on February 10, 2023, while strolling with a friend outside a popular Durban restaurant, mere hours before AKA was scheduled to perform at a nearby club.
According to police statements, the suspects are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
“It was evident that AKA was under surveillance from the airport, and Tibz was not the intended target in the tragic incident on Florida Road in Durban. We have reason to believe they were paid to carry out this act,” remarked KwaZulu-Natal provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, on Tuesday night.
South African Police Minister, Bheki Cele, confirmed that the murders of AKA and his friend, captured on Closed-Circuit Television cameras, have deeply shocked many residents of the country, which struggles with one of the highest murder rates globally.
“I hope that this development brings some comfort to the people of South Africa,” he remarked.