South African police on Tuesday, February 27 announced that six suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of one of the country’s hottest rap artists, Kiernan Forbes, known as AKA.
AKA was gunned down on February 10 last year while walking with a friend, Tibs outside a popular Durban restaurant hours before he was to perform at a nearby club.
Police reveal that the 35-year-old rapper had been followed right from his arrival at the airport until the murder was executed.
“Six people have been arrested that will appear in court on Thursday. These six played different roles in the murder.
“The six of them initially followed Mr. Forbes from the airport on arrival, the only way to his hotel as well as the restaurant where the incident happened,” police minister Bheki Cele told a press conference in Durban.
🚨BREAKING👮🏾♂️🥷🇿🇦: According to @DTSIntel, six(6) men have been arrested in connection with the murder of South African rapper, AKA, & his friend, Tibz, who were shot dead outside at Florida Road restaurant in February 2023.
The announcement was made on Tuesday night by the… pic.twitter.com/htqvAo0OPy
— Ölele | DTS👨🏾🍳🇬🇭 (@OleleSalvador) February 27, 2024
According to the South African police, the oldest suspect is 36. Police say the “mastermind” of the murder, two shooters, two spotters and “organizer of vehicle and firearms” are all in custody.
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Provincial police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi told journalist at the press conference that several of those arrested were linked to sperate murder cases,
He said two of the suspects had gone hiding in neighbouring Eswatini. However, police in collaboration with Interpol and the Eswatini government have arrested them would begin extradition procedures soon.
Mkhwanazi said police had a suspicion of the motive but would not discuss the matter.
South Africa has one of the world’s highest murder rates with a number of entertainment stars among the victims.