Two years have passed since South Africa was shaken by the tragic assassination of one of its most celebrated musicians, Kiernan “AKA” Forbes. On the night of February 10, 2023, the rapper was shot and killed on Florida Road in Durban, sending shockwaves throughout the nation. His close friend and former manager, Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, also lost his life in the crossfire, a moment that remains etched in the country’s memory.
The initial reports described the incident as a drive-by shooting, but it was later revealed that the attack was a meticulously planned close-range execution. Surveillance footage captured the harrowing moment when a gunman approached AKA as he embraced Tibz outside Wish Restaurant. The rapper collapsed instantly as gunfire rang out, while another shooter fired in their direction, fatally striking Tibz.
Earlier that day, AKA had landed at King Shaka International Airport, preparing for a scheduled performance at Yugo nightclub as part of his 35th birthday celebrations. It was his first major appearance in Durban since the tragic passing of his fiancée, Anele Tembe, in April 2021. Unbeknownst to him, a group of men was allegedly tracking his movements from the moment he arrived in the city.
During the court proceedings for five of the seven accused, investigators detailed how the suspects followed AKA throughout the day, using financial transactions and surveillance. One accused’s bank records placed him at the same restaurant where AKA dined, confirming that they had been monitoring the rapper’s activities. The State also alleged that R800,000 was paid to one of the suspects on the same day as the shooting, with R133,000 later transferred to another accused. While the defense argued that these funds were for business dealings, the prosecution asserted that it was “hit money.”
For months after the murder, authorities struggled to make significant arrests, despite mounting public pressure. Police initially denied any breakthroughs, even dismissing reports of arrests in Cape Town in April 2023. However, by February 2024, after an extensive investigation, then-Police Minister Bheki Cele confirmed that multiple suspects had been taken into custody.
The individuals arrested in connection with the murder include Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande. Two other suspects, Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Dave Ndimande, were detained in Eswatini and are currently fighting extradition to South Africa. The accused face 11 charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and attempted murder. Additionally, two money laundering charges have been added.
The case has now been transferred to the Durban High Court, with trial proceedings set to begin on May 8, 2025. Despite bail applications by some of the accused, the court has repeatedly denied their release. The indictment, recently served by the State, is expected to reveal critical details about the motive behind AKA’s killing and, more importantly, the identity of the mastermind behind the execution.
Amid the legal battles, AKA’s father, Tony Forbes, expressed gratitude for the progress made in the case. While he acknowledged the slow pace of the extradition process, he emphasized the importance of following legal procedures to ensure justice is properly served. Reflecting on the overwhelming support his family has received, he shared how it has been both a source of strength and comfort during this painful journey.
As the trial date approaches, South Africa watches closely, hoping for justice for AKA and Tibz. Their legacy continues to live on in the hearts of fans, friends, and family who refuse to let their memories fade.
