Police arrest hitmen paid to kill South African rapper AKA

The investigation into the killing of South African rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and renowned chef Tibz (Tebello Mostoane) continues to progress, with the recent arrest of a seventh suspect on Wednesday, February 28.

The suspect is connected to the fatal shooting of AKA and Tibz on the popular Florida Road in Morningside, Durban, on February 10, 2023. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has not disclosed the suspect’s identity, but they join six others, all below 36 years old, who have been arrested.

During a late-night press conference at SAPS headquarters in Durban, Police Minister Bheki Cele announced that the suspects would appear in court on Thursday, February 29, without specifying the court.

According to authorities, hitmen were paid to target AKA, but the motive remains undisclosed. The police revealed that AKA and Tibz were ambushed by armed individuals while walking to their vehicle in Durban.

CCTV footage captured the incident, showing AKA was the primary target, and Tibz was not the intended victim. Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, described the roles of the suspects involved in the operation, including coordinators, shooters, and spotters.

One suspect allegedly tracked AKA from the airport to his hotel and then to the Wish on Florida restaurant, assembling the group and providing resources. Some of the arrested individuals may be linked to other murder cases.

Authorities recovered four vehicles, a firearm, and ammunition related to both the AKA incident and another shooting. The firearm used in AKA’s shooting was found on April 22, 2023, and a BMW trailing AKA upon his arrival in KZN was recovered on August 2, 2023.

AKA, a renowned South African hip-hop artist, enjoyed a successful career with multiple albums and hit songs.