Breakthrough arrests made in AKA Murder Case: Seven Suspects Apprehended in Shocking South African Celebrity Killings
Seven individuals have been apprehended in connection with the murders of the renowned South African rapper, Kiernan Forbes, also known as AKA, and his close friend, celebrity chef Tebello «Tibz» Motshoane. The duo was fatally shot outside a Durban restaurant a year ago, a shocking incident that left South Africans in disbelief.
Police have disclosed that hitmen were hired to target AKA, but the motive behind the killing has not been revealed. The suspects, all under the age of 36, are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
According to Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, it was evident that AKA was monitored from the airport, and Tibz was not the intended target.
He stated, «We know they were paid for this» indicating that the accused individuals played different roles in the plot to kill AKA.
The suspects include two gunmen who fired at the victims, three spotters who followed AKA from the airport, someone responsible for sourcing the firearms used in the attack, and the mastermind.
Some of the suspects are also linked to unrelated murder cases.
During the arrests, police recovered exhibits such as four vehicles, firearms associated with the murders of AKA and Motshoane, and empty cartridges.
Plans are underway to extradite the two accused gunmen, who were found in Eswatini, to face murder charges in South Africa.
Police Minister Bheki Cele acknowledged the disturbance caused by the killings, emphasizing that the motive would be revealed in court.
He expressed hope that the arrests would provide a sense of relief for South Africans.
AKA, known for his string of hits, began his musical career as part of the rap group Entity before launching a successful solo career.
His international acclaim includes nominations for awards from Black Entertainment Television (BET) and MTV Europe. AKA received a posthumous honor at the BET Hip Hop Awards last year.
Source: bbc.com
