One year on, no arrests made for the murder of AKA
A year ago today, award-winning rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes was gunned down on Florida Road. To date, no arrests have been made, and his family has launched a foundation to keep the hip-hop star’s legacy alive and help other South Africans in his name.
TODAY marks the anniversary of the tragic murder of renowned rapper Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA.
The hip-hop star was just 35 years old when he was shot and killed while leaving the Wish restaurant on Florida Road.
Just a year ago today, on February 10, 2023, Florida Road in Durban was bathed in chaos following the shooting of the award-winning South African rapper.
The popular and well-loved rapper was shot at close range, along with his close friend and celebrity chef, Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane.
Also Read: Florida Road eatery closes its doors following AKA shooting
Who shot AKA?
Since then, the question of ‘who shot AKA’ has not been answered, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) has faced public scrutiny for not having been able to crack the high-profile murder case.
On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, police announced that they had located the weapon used to kill the All Eyes on Me hitmaker.
The announcement was made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkwanazi when he was speaking at a press briefing hosted by the inter-ministerial committee on political killings at Durban Central Police Station.
“We have identified at least one firearm used and positively identified [it] to have [been used to] shoot and kill Mr Forbes,” he said.
Mkhwanazi added that they had also identified some vehicles used during and after the murder and were in discussions with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on positively identifying some suspects.
During an interview with Faith Mangope on Metro FM, in mid-December, Police Minister Bheki Cele said they were close to witnesses who knew about the orchestration behind his murder.
“We have found the getaway car; the gun has been found. They have found two people whom I know, for sure, are [being] kept safe because they know very well what happened on that particular day, and they have given information for the police to get the gun and for the police to get the car,” he said.
“Those things are in the hands of the police as we speak. We know who we are chasing. And those two guys must be kept very safe because they know what happened on that day, and even beyond what happened, [they know] about the networks that led to the unfortunate murder of AKA,” said Cele.
In a previous update, Cele asked that the police ‘be given space to resist the push that might end in breaking the case even before they complete the proper investigation’.
Also Read: AKA killed in Florida Road shooting
A silver lining
To create something positive after this tragedy, the rapper’s family announced the launch of the Kiernan Forbes Foundation, which aims to honour AKA through making meaningful and empowering contributions to society.
Via the rapper’s Instagram page on February 1, they posted: “Through the @kiernanforbesfoundation, the Forbes family intends to honour @akaworldwide by building on and living his legacy of inspiration to make meaningful and empowering contributions to society.”
The post went on to say that the foundation intends to use its platform to develop young South Africans within the music industry, education and broader art world.
“Kiernan Jarryd Forbes is an inspiration to many people. His music gives pleasure to many, and his own journey as a musician has inspired up-and-coming artists to be bold, creative, work hard and use music to tell their stories,” said the statement.
The post went on to highlight AKA’s patriotism. “Kiernan truly loved his country and the African continent. He demonstrated his South African patriotism with his signature flag draped over his microphone or around his shoulders.”
“He passionately supported the Fees Must Fall movement, advocating for fees for all. Out of the public eye, Kiernan selflessly supported those in need of financial and other assistance. His impact on the world will never be forgotten. #LongLiveSupaMega #LongLiveSupaMegaLiveLong.”
His family recently celebrated what would have been his 36th birthday on January 28 by hosting a pop-up exhibition in his name.
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