On February 27th, South African Police Minister Bheki Cele and Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi held a press conference on eNCA to provide updates on the investigation into the murders of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
The Shootings and Investigation:
The press conference revealed significant progress in the case. While the tragic shooting occurred on February 10th, 2024, on Florida Road in Durban, the police revealed they had begun making arrests as early as April 2023. This demonstrates that the investigation was ongoing for several months prior to the public announcement of the arrests.
Details of the Arrests:
Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi detailed a series of arrests, including:
A first arrest in April 2023
A second arrest on October 24th, 2023
A third arrest on December 14th, 2023
Two arrests made on February 24th, 2024, in eSwatini
The Motive and Role of Each Suspect:
The investigation revealed that AKA was specifically targeted and followed throughout his stay in Durban, from his arrival at King Shaka International Airport to his hotel and ultimately to the Wish restaurant where the shooting took place. Shockingly, the investigation suggests that Tibz was not the intended target and tragically became caught in the crossfire.
The Status of the Case:
The press conference confirmed that six suspects are currently in custody, including:
Two individuals suspected of being the shooters
Two individuals suspected of acting as spotters
The alleged coordinator of the crime
The individual responsible for arranging getaway vehicles and firearms
Unfortunately, a seventh suspect remains at large, and the investigation continues.
Further Information:
For a more comprehensive understanding of the press conference and the latest developments in the case, you can watch the full briefing on eNCA [link to eNCA coverage, if available].
This case has garnered significant national attention, and the recent arrests offer a sense of progress in bringing those responsible to justice. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.