Six arrested in AKA murder case, police reveal shocking facts
Among other shocking facts, police revealed that Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes was the main target and his friend, Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane, was caught in the crossfire.
IN a police briefing last night, it was announced that police have made arrests in the Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and chef Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane murder case. The two were killed at close range on Florida Road a year ago outside a restaurant.
The update comes as a shock to the public who in early February, when the one-year anniversary of the murder came around, had openly criticised the police who appeared to be dragging their feet in the investigation.
Also Read: Suspect arrested with fake police identification and drugs
However, it appears that police were holding their cards close to their chest due to the sensitivity of the case.
Police minister Bheki Cele said the first suspect was apprehended in April last year.
Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi revealed that the second arrest was made on October 24 and another on December 14.
Two other suspects were arrested at a house in Eswatini on Saturday morning (February 24). One other suspect is still at large.
Among those in custody are the alleged masterminds of the crime: two shooters, two spotters and the person who organised the getaway vehicles and guns.
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.
General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi says investigations have revealed that AKA was the main target.
“The main target was Kiernan AKA Forbes – he’s the one who was followed from the airport. He was followed to the hotel, and he’s the one who was spotted inside the restaurant, and the plan was not to shoot him in the manner that they did – they were going to shoot him in the vehicle.”
Mkhwanazi also stated that Motsoane’s shooting was ‘not part of the plan’, adding that he had been caught in the crossfire.
Also Read: Family mourns Greenwood Park gas-poisoning victims
The Commissioner Lieutenant-General said the suspects planned for Forbes to be shot in the car which he was meant to leave the restaurant in, but he had taken longer outside the restaurant.
Police said they believed a seventh suspect who is on the run will be caught soon. Police are hunting for another suspect who is in hiding after the news broke of the arrest that took place in Eswatini.
eThekwini Municipality mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda has commended the police for arresting suspects implicated in the murders.
Mayor Kaunda said that this double-murder breakthrough will bring renewed hope to the people of South Africa that the long arm of the law will catch up with anyone who commits crime.
“These developments will also restore confidence to businesses, investors, tourists and residents that we are indeed committed to fighting crime and making Durban a safe destination for investment and tourism,” said Kaunda.
For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
