South African authorities have made a significant breakthrough in the case of the murder of renowned rap artist Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA, with the arrest of six suspects.
The 35-year-old musician was fatally shot on February 10 last year while walking outside a Durban restaurant with a friend, just hours before his scheduled performance at a nearby club. Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, revealed during a press briefing on Tuesday night that it was evident AKA was under surveillance from the airport, and his companion was not the intended target.
“We know they were paid for this,” Lt Gen Mkhwanazi added, indicating a possible motive behind the murder plot. The arrested individuals, including two gunmen, two spotters, a firearms supplier, and the mastermind, played different roles in the assassination plan.
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The suspects, aged between 36 and younger, were apprehended with the assistance of Interpol and the Eswatini government, with extradition procedures underway for two individuals apprehended in Eswatini. While authorities suspect a motive, it has not been disclosed publicly.
AKA’s murder adds to South Africa’s concerning crime statistics, with numerous entertainment figures becoming victims of violence. Notably, reggae singer Lucky Dube was fatally shot in 2007 during a carjacking attempt.
AKA, known for his solo career and international acclaim, began as part of the rap group Entity before achieving solo success, winning multiple awards in South Africa and receiving nominations from prestigious international platforms like Black Entertainment Television (BET) and MTV Europe.
