In a significant development, six suspects have been apprehended in connection with the shocking murders of renowned South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA, and his close friend, celebrity chef and entrepreneur Tebello “Tibz” Motshoane, who were fatally gunned down outside a Durban restaurant a year ago.
The arrests shed light on the intricate plot, with police revealing that hitmen were paid to target AKA, but the motive behind the killings remains undisclosed. The suspects, all aged below 36, are set to appear in court on Thursday.
KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi shared insights during a press briefing, stating, “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.”
The six accused individuals played distinct roles in the orchestrated plot, including two gunmen, two spotters who tracked AKA from the airport, a firearms source, and the mastermind. Some of the suspects are also linked to unrelated murder cases.
Two of the suspects were found in a hideout in Eswatini after a raid by Interpol over the weekend. Plans are underway to extradite them to face murder charges in South Africa.
Recovery of exhibits during the arrests includes four vehicles, firearms tied to the AKA and Tibz murders, and empty cartridges.
Police Minister Bheki Cele acknowledged the profound impact of these killings on the nation and expressed hope that the arrests would provide some solace. Reflecting on the motive, he emphasized that details would emerge in court.
The tragic deaths of AKA and Tibz, captured on CCTV cameras, had deeply disturbed the nation. AKA, with a prolific musical career, had garnered international acclaim, winning awards in South Africa and receiving posthumous honors at the BET Hip Hop Awards last year. The arrests mark a significant stride towards justice, unraveling the mysteries surrounding these high-profile murders.
