South African police arrest six for murder of rapper, AKA

South African authorities have arrested six individuals suspected of involvement in the tragic killing of renowned rapper Kiernan Forbes, better known as AKA, and his close associate, celebrity chef and entrepreneur Tebello “Tibz” Motshoane.

The pair were fatally attacked on February 10, 2023, while strolling with a friend outside a well-known restaurant in Durban, just hours before AKA was scheduled to perform at a nearby club.

AKA initially rose to prominence as a member of the rap group ‘Entity’ before embarking on a successful solo career. Throughout his life, he garnered numerous accolades in South Africa and received international recognition, including nominations from Black Entertainment Television and MTV Europe. Following his untimely death, he was posthumously honored at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards.

According to the police, the suspects are 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. We know they were paid for this,” KwaZulu-Natal provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, said Tuesday night.

Bheki Cele, South Africa’s Police Minister, affirmed that the killings of AKA and his companion, reportedly captured on Closed-Circuit Television cameras, deeply rattled numerous residents of the nation, which contends with one of the highest murder rates globally.

He expressed, “I hope South Africans will sleep better after this.”

South Africa contends with one of the globe’s highest murder rates, with several entertainment figures among the victims.

In 2007, reggae singer Lucky Dube was attacked as he dropped off his teenage son at a relative’s house, sustaining three gunshot wounds during a botched car theft.

According to police statistics released this month, the southern African nation documented nearly 84 murders daily between October and December.