UPDATE: Police nab seventh suspect in AKA murder case
After announcing that they had arrested six suspects in the AKA murder case, the police dropped another bomb, stating that the seventh suspect, who had been at large, was apprehended today.
JUST HOURS after police announced at a late-night press conference at the South African Police Service (SAPS) headquarters in Durban last night that they had arrested six suspects linked to the murder of rapper AKA (Kiernan Forbes) and celebrity chef, Tibz (Tebello Mostoane), the police provided an update that the seventh suspect, who was at large, has been captured.
The suspect joins six other suspects, five of whom are due to appear in court on Thursday. The update was shared just before midday today. “Police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested the outstanding suspect in the murder of Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and his friend Tebello ‘Tibs’ Motsoane. The 30-year-old suspect was arrested today (Wednesday). The arrest brings the total number of suspects arrested for the murders to seven. Five suspects will appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, February 29. ” said SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
Also read: Six arrested in AKA murder case, police reveal shocking facts
After months of police work, the police’s top brass, including Police Minister Bheki Cele and KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, announced at yesterday’s press briefing that the first suspect had already appeared in court and had been arrested as far back as April 2023.
This was one of the many shocking facts revealed in yesterday’s press conference.
Mkhwanazi and Police Minister Bheki Cele explained that they had constructed a strong case and had seized, among other evidence, four vehicles, a gun, and cartridges, which reportedly linked the group to the crime. It was also revealed that AKA was the main target and Motsoane had been caught in the crossfire. Among those in custody is the alleged mastermind of the crime, two shooters, two spotters, and the person who organised the getaway vehicles and guns.
Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes was one of South Africa’s leading rap stars. The multi-award winner was just 35 years old when he and his friend, celebrity chef Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, were shot at close range outside Wish restaurant in Florida Road on February 11, 2023. At the time, the Fela in Versace hitmaker was in Durban for a performance.
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