A senior police investigator involved in the probe of rapper Kiernan Forbes’ murder, known as AKA, has stated that authorities will not arrest KwaZulu-Natal businessman Mfundo Gcaba at this time.
This decision comes as there is insufficient concrete evidence linking him to the assassination.
The incident, which occurred on February 10 last year, saw AKA, whose real name is Kiernan Forbes, and his close friend Tibz Motsoane shot and killed outside a Durban restaurant.
Gwabeni, identified as a taxi boss and a suspect in the case, is alleged to have received R800,000 to pay the hitmen responsible for the double homicide.
During their investigation, police discovered that Gcaba had transferred the substantial amount into Gwabeni’s account.
“The money and the two calls between him (Gcaba) and Gwabeni are not sufficient to effect an arrest or bring him in for questioning.
“The police want to establish a motive and on whose instructions Gwabeni was acting. We believe there are more powerful people involved here,” the police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.
Gwabeni, in turn, reportedly paid over R133,000 to each of the other suspects involved in carrying out the hit.
Despite these findings, a police officer familiar with the details of the Forbes murder case explained that connecting Gcaba directly to the murders remains challenging.
The officer emphasised that the money transfer and phone calls between Gcaba and Gwabeni are not sufficient grounds for arrest or questioning.
The police source, speaking anonymously, hinted at the involvement of more powerful individuals and the need to establish motives and instructions behind Gwabeni’s actions.
When questioned about Gcaba’s status despite being mentioned in court, KwaZulu-Natal National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara declined to comment, citing ongoing investigations into the matter.
A shocking twist has emerged in the tragic case of the murder of popular rapper AKA, as a prominent businessman from a powerful South African family is now linked to the crime.
AKA, known by his real name Kiernan Forbes, along with his close friend Tibz Motsoane, was fatally shot outside a restaurant in Durban on February 10 last year.
According to details presented in court by the investigating officer, a company owned by businessman Sydney Mfundo Gcaba allegedly transferred over 800,000 rand ($42,000; £33,000) to the bank account of one of the suspects currently standing trial for the rapper’s killing.
This substantial payment was reportedly made just a day after AKA’s tragic death.
Further scrutiny of phone records revealed that the recipient of the funds, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, purportedly made a call to Mr. Gcaba before the transaction, raising suspicions of a deeper connection.
Despite these revelations, Mr. Gcaba has not yet provided any comment on the prosecutor’s claims.
The prosecution alleges that the transferred money was then evenly divided among seven suspects involved in the crime.
However, Mr. Gwabeni claims in an affidavit that the funds were payment for consultancy services he rendered to the company.
Yet, the prosecution argues that there is insufficient evidence to support this claim.
Sydney Mfundo Gcaba’s affiliation with the influential Gcaba family, renowned for their taxi empire and various businesses across South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, adds layers of complexity to the case.
As investigations continue, authorities are still piecing together the motive behind Mr. Gcaba’s alleged involvement in AKA’s tragic murder.
Six individuals have been apprehended for their involvement in the tragic killings of renowned South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA, and his close confidant, celebrity chef and entrepreneur Tebello “Tibz” Motshoane.
The pair fell victim to gunfire outside a Durban restaurant a year ago, shocking the South African community.
Law enforcement authorities revealed that the hired assassins were specifically commissioned to target AKA, though the motive behind the attack remains undisclosed.
The suspects, all under the age of 36, are set to appear in court on Thursday.
According to Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, AKA was closely monitored from the airport, and Tibz was not the intended target.
“It was clear that AKA was monitored from the airport, and Tibz was not the intended target in the murder on Florida Road in Durban,” Lt Gen Mkhwanazi stated in a Tuesday night press briefing. “We know they were paid for this,” he added.
The six accused individuals had distinct roles in the assassination scheme.
This includes two gunmen responsible for firing at the victims, two spotters who trailed AKA from Durban’s airport, an individual who procured the firearms used, and the mastermind behind the plot.
Some of the suspects are also implicated in unrelated murder cases.
Following a weekend raid by Interpol, two suspects were found in a hideout in Eswatini.
They appeared in a magistrate’s court on Tuesday, with plans underway to extradite them to South Africa to face murder charges.
Recovered exhibits from the arrests include four vehicles, firearms linked to the murders, and spent cartridges.
Police Minister Bheki Cele expressed hope that these arrests would bring relief to the South African public, deeply affected by the killings captured on CCTV cameras.
Reflecting on the motive, Minister Cele asserted, “We are all interested to know what the motive was. It is very clear that it was not a case of someone waking up in the morning angry. You can see that in the build-up and coordination.”
AKA, who began his musical journey as a member of the rap collective Entity, ventured into a successful solo career, earning accolades in South Africa and international acclaim. Even posthumously, his contributions were recognized, with a tribute bestowed upon him at the BET Hip Hop Awards last year.
Six individuals have been apprehended in connection with the tragic killings of renowned South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, widely known as AKA, and his close confidant, celebrity chef and entrepreneur Tebello “Tibz” Motshoane.
The pair fell victim to gunfire outside a restaurant in Durban one year ago, a heinous act that sent shockwaves through the South African community.
Law enforcement authorities disclosed that hired assassins were commissioned to target AKA, yet the motive behind the attack remains undisclosed.
Throughout his career, AKA amassed a repertoire of chart-topping hits, collaborating notably with Nigeria’s Burna Boy.
The apprehended suspects, all under the age of 36, are scheduled to make a court appearance on Thursday.
“It was clear that AKA was monitored from the airport and Tibz was not the intended target in the murder on Florida Road in Durban,” Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, said in a press briefing on Tuesday night.
“We know they were paid for this,” Lt Gen Mkwananzi added.
He stated that the six accused individuals fulfilled distinct roles within the scheme to assassinate AKA.
Among the incarcerated suspects are two gunmen responsible for firing multiple rounds at the victims, two spotters who trailed AKA from Durban’s airport, an individual who procured the firearms used in the ambush, and the mastermind behind the plot.
Additionally, some of the suspects have been implicated in unrelated murder cases.
Following a raid conducted by Interpol over the weekend, two of the men were discovered in a hideout in neighboring Eswatini. They appeared before a magistrate’s court in Eswatini on Tuesday, with plans underway to extradite them to South Africa to face murder charges.
Lt. Gen. Mkhwanazi mentioned that local media reports regarding the arrests may have alerted a seventh suspect who remains at large.
Recovered exhibits from the arrests include four vehicles, firearms linked to the murders of AKA and Motshoane, and spent cartridges.
Police Minister Bheki Cele acknowledged the distress caused by the killings of AKA and his friend, captured on CCTV cameras, which deeply affected many within a country grappling with one of the highest murder rates globally.
“I hope South Africans will sleep better after this,” he said.
Reflecting on the motive that minister said it will “come out in court”.
“We are all interested to know what the motive was. It is very clear that it was not a case of someone waking up in the morning angry. You can see that in the build-up and co-ordination.”
AKA embarked on his musical journey as a member of the rap collective Entity before venturing into a successful solo career, garnering numerous accolades in South Africa for his musical prowess.
His influence extended beyond borders, earning him several nominations for prestigious awards from Black Entertainment Television (BET) and MTV Europe, solidifying his international acclaim. Even posthumously, his contributions were recognized, as evidenced by a tribute bestowed upon him at the BET Hip Hop Awards last year.
Police in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, are making headway in their pursuit of the killers of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
They have recently recovered the firearm used in the crime.
AKA and Tibz were tragically shot outside Wish restaurant in Durban on February 10 this year.
During an inter-ministerial briefing on Wednesday, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi also confirmed the discovery of the vehicles linked to the crime.
“We have identified at least a couple of vehicles that were used. Some of the vehicles were used as getaway, some of the vehicles that might have been used by people after the fact that we suspect that are the suspects in this incident.
“We have identified at least one firearm that has been used and positively identified to have shot and killed Mr Forbes on that evening.
“We are and such are in our possession as well and we as SAPS, as I said, identified few individuals that we are going to maybe after discussing with the NPA, we might then start bringing them in,” said Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi also said a number of people had been interviewed in connection with the murders.
“Those who might have been present during the incident, some not, and those of interest to us. We have identified a couple of vehicles that were used, some were used as getaways and some portals. Some might have been used by people after and we suspect to be suspects.”
Musician Gyakie has joined the star-studded lineup of South African rapper AKA’s posthumous album, Mass Country.
The album was released on February 24, 2023.
The album, described as a “parting gift” and “love letter to South Africa,” showcases AKA’s love for his homeland and the diverse sounds that make up the local music scene.
It also features a host of South Africa’s hottest hip-hop talent, including Khuli Chana, Blxckie, Nadia Nakai, Emtee, Yanga Chief, Sjava, and more.
Gyakie’s feature on the album is a pre-released single titled “Paradise,” which features Musa Keys. It’s a love song where AKA sings and raps about all he’s willing to do and has done for the love of his life.
AKA expressed his love for Gyakie’s voice in a Guide Radio interview in 2022.
The duo recorded the song later that year during one of Gyakie’s visits to South Africa, where she performed at South Africa’s Homecoming Festival and also received a double platinum certification plaque for her 2021 single, Forever.
Gyakie has been making waves in the African music industry, gaining recognition for her exceptional talent and unique sound. She is making strides and crossing borders in the music space.
This is not her first time collaborating with South African artiste. She also featured on a track by Major League DJz.
Meanwhile, “Mass Country” released posthumously after AKA’s tragic shooting a few weeks ago is out now and features music from AKA with Nasty C, Khuli Chana, Nadia Nakai and more big names in the South African music scene.
South African rapper AKA, born Kiernan Forbes, has been laid to rest today, February 18, 2023 at a private funeral.
The multi-award-winning musician and his former manager, Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, were tragically shot and killed outside Wish Restaurant in Durban on February 9, 2023.
They had finished dinner with friends at the restaurant when a gunman approached and fired shots, killing AKA and Tibz. The gunman is yet to be identified and remains at large.
On Friday, a public memorial service was held at Sandton Convention Centre for AKA, which was streamed on his official YouTube channel. Fans who had purchased tickets were allowed to attend the event.
[WATCH] The family of award-winning artist Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes has left the rapper's home for his private funeral ceremony. Newzroom Afrika's @LindA_MniSii captured the moment as the family departed. #Newzroom405#RIPAKApic.twitter.com/cgoN0MdS7F
According to him, he had advised AKA to purchase a gun after the latter had called him ‘wild’ for owning one.
Grammy winning Nigerian singer, Burna Boy, has reacted to the heartbreaking demise of South African rapper, Kiernan Forbes alias AKA.
Ogulu took to his Instagram stories where he shared an unreleased track in which he sang about the tragic death of the artiste.
According to him, he had advised AKA to purchase a gun after the latter had called him “wild” for owning one.
“WTF is all of that about? I just heard he died, seen that video at that restaurant. Took me out of a positive mood/ Took me back to that day when you saw my gun and you said I was wild/ Then I told you you should have one too,” he sang.
The ‘Last Last’ singer also referenced his beef with the rapper and stated that despite their differences, he never wanted him dead.
“But I didn’t want you dead, it was like that with me and you, have one too/ Cuz it weren’t like nig*az wasn’t dying but I thought you knew/ And I ain’t really f**k with you/
“Wicked! I hope they catch whoever did you wicked/ I hope you rest in peace, even though we ain’t kick it/ At the end of the day we some grown ass ni**az,” he continued.
At the height of the 2019 xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa, Burna Boy condemned the act and threatened not to step foot in the country.
However, the issue escalated into a spat between him and the South African rapper on Twitter.
The South African artiste was shot dead in a drive-by attack at a restaurant in Durban, South Africa. His longtime friend, Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, was also killed in the shooting.
The President of South Africa reportedly turned down a province government’s request for a state funeral for South African rapper AKA who was murdered last week.
Gauteng’s premier Panyaza Lesufi had written to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting permission to give slain rapper Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA, a state funeral.
On Thursday, Mr Lesufi said his request had been denied.
He said he had not requested for state funds for the funeral, but for the coffin to be draped with the national flag and flags to be flown at half-mast in honour of the rapper.
“We felt that the person of his international stature, person of his national stature, there must be some form of honour, and we want to clarify it is not a financial contribution,” he is quoted as saying.
AKA declared he “never planned… never intended to be a celebrity” in the first song of his 2011 blockbuster solo album Altar Ego.
But the South African, who was gunned down in Durbana week ago, did not hold back about his talents.
A few days before his death, which police believe was a targeted killing, the award-winning 35-year-old rapper anointed himself as the best producer in his genre.
Sparking a huge debate, the artist who also went by the nickname Supa Mega, tweeted: “Statistically speaking, since I’ve produced 90% of all my music, surely I’m the greatest SA hip-hop producer of all time.”
But already in 2014, on Congratulate, one of the hits that solidified his megastar status, he said he would be “shining like a diamond that’s forever, now congratulate me”.
Thousands of fans – known collectively as “The Megacy” – are expected to either follow online or turn up at his public memorial on Friday in Johannesburg, making sure that he will continue to shine.
He may have said that he did not want it but he undoubtedly achieved that celebrity status.
However, his life and career were not without controversy.
Image caption, Mourners have gathered close to where AKA was shot in Durban to pay their respects
AKA, born Kiernan Forbes in Cape Town in 1988, was one of the country’s most celebrated hip-hop artists after releasing three solo albums, as well as collaborations with other performers.
When he was very young he lived with his grandparents in Mitchells Plain, one of Cape Town’s most dangerous townships, known for gangsterism and drug abuse.
But he then moved to Johannesburg with his mother, where he attended St John’s College, an Anglican institution that describes itself as being “among South Africa’s pre-eminent schools”.
It was there that his musical career began, forming a hip-hop band called Entity with two high-school friends, Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh and Nhlanhla Makena. They went on to be nominated for a KORA All Africa Music Award.
“He was destined for greatness from then,” Mpofu-Walsh, now a writer and academic, said in a tribute on Twitter.
After the group disbanded, AKA went on to study sound engineering and then produced hits for artists including ProKid and Kuli Chana.
He later worked with the likes of Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy, as well as Da L.E.S, Nasty C and Kwesta.
The large number of musicians, producers, politicians and celebrities who have paid tribute has been testament to his impact.
But in the last five years, scrutiny over his personal life grew, with news about his romances and public break-ups making tabloid headlines.
He dated well-known celebrities including DJ Zinhle, with whom he had a daughter, now seven years old.
Image caption, AKA, pictured here in 2018, had one daughter from a relationship with DJ Zinhle
He also did not shy away from public spats with other industry colleagues, including fellow South African rapper Cassper Nyovest and memorably Burna Boy.
During South Africa’s xenophobic clashes in 2019, AKA started a feud with the Nigerian after the West African artist urged black migrants in South Africa to protect themselves against attacks.
In 2021, the scandals surrounding the rapper took a dark turn when his 22-year-old fiancée Anele Tembe died in controversial circumstances, when she fell from the 10th floor of a Cape Town hotel.
It was believed that she had taken her own life. But at her funeral, her father, well-known businessman Moses Tembe, denied this and said his daughter was not suicidal.
In her honour, AKA released single Tears Run Dry as a reminder of their relationship.
“When I wake up, I cannot feel sunshine ’cause you’re not by my side,” he sang.
But a different side of the musician surfaced after the model’s death, when videos were leaked on social media, showing quarrels between the couple, with him breaking down doors during one altercation.
In a battle to restore his battered reputation a few weeks after his fiancée’s death, AKA denied ever being abusive or violent. In a move seen as a vindication for him, South African prosecutors decided not to pursue a case against him.
Some of those close to AKA said that Tembe’s death changed him, including South African recording artist and award-winning DJ Oscar Mdlongwa, popularly known as Oskido.
“When he left this world, he was a changed Kiernan, you could see that he wasn’t the Kiernan we knew 10 years ago,” he said after visiting the family to pay his respects earlier this week.
AKA himself said he was a changed man.
“Sometimes I crave dishing out humble pie like I used to… rubbing people’s faces in it… Being a better person is challenging,” he said.
‘Assassinated in broad daylight’
The authorities believe that his killing outside a popular restaurant in Durban on Friday evening was carried out by a paid hitman.
On CCTV footage, a man wearing a white sweater and hat can be seen crossing the road and walking towards AKA and then firing two shots to the rapper’s head, killing him instantly. AKA was killed along with his long-time friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
“From what we know and have seen, it was a hit, AKA was assassinated in broad daylight,” said Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula who visited the family on Sunday.
“We need to get to the bottom of why this happened, because AKA was not a drug lord, he was a musician, why does he deserve to be killed like that?” he asked.
In that opening track of his solo debut album, AKA asked: “What would happen to just a normal dude who had extraordinary talent?”
Twelve years later that question had a tragic answer.
The funeral date for late South African rapper, Kiernan “AKA” Jarryd Forbes, has been released.
The date was announced by the family of has announced that a memorial will be held in his honour.
The event is expected to come off on Friday, February 17, 2023. The memorial, the family noted, is open to the public for those who want to join the family remember AKA.
It will take place at South Africa’s leading event venue, Sandton Convention Centre at 3:00 pm (South Africa time). The memorial will also be streamed on AKA’s YouTube platform.
Following the memorial, the family will hold a private funeral ceremony on Saturday, February 18.
AKA’s family also thanked the public for the support they have received. “We as the Forbes family would like to acknowledge the outpouring of love we have received over the past few days.”
“Kiernan wasn’t just loved by us as a family, but by the nation, as we’ve seen from loved ones, friends, industry colleagues, media tributes and the MEGACY.”
Background
Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was shot just before 10:00pm (South African time) while standing outside the Wish Restaurant in Durban on Friday.
The deceased was seen interacting with some friends in a busy street when the unidentified person walked up to him and shot him in the head.
The suspect, then took to his heels.
Reports by South African media indicates that another person believed to be AKA’s bodyguard, sustained wounds during the shooting incident.
The family issued a statement to confirm the death of the artistes via his Twitter handle.
“It is with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son, and confirm his untimely and tragic passing on the evening of February 10, 2023. We are awaiting further details from the Durban Police.
To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, most importantly father to his beloved daughter Kairo.
To many, he was AKA, SUPAMEGA, BHOVA and the many other names of affection his legion of fans called him by. Our son was loved and he gave love in return. In this time of grief, we appeal for your compassion, space and time to congregate as family to decide on the upcoming days.
We thank you for the love and support we have received thus far and ask you to continue to keep us in your prayers.
In May 2021, Scarlet Ejiogu predicted the unfortunate demise of South African singer Kieran Forbes AKA.
In a tweet, she advised the rapper to stay away from mafia friends since his death would be the result of meddling with the wrong people.
On Saturday, February 11, 2023, when AKAwas shot, credence was given to the prediction Ejiogu made when she stated the mode of killing.
“God says: South Africa’s Rap artist, AKA should beware of a gunshot that will take his life. He should avoid mafia friendships and gatherings or else he will become a target #SouthAfrica”
Following that, Scarlet made a new prediction about the life of Nigerian singer Tems.
She believes a burgeoning relationship between US rapper Future and Tems will develop into something more serious.
In a tweet, Scarlet did not only foretell that Tems and Future will become married couples but also added that the latter will be tamed by the former.
“God says: Music Artists, Future and Tems will eventually get married. Tems will use her African maternal hand to tame Future into marital submission @future @tems”
Already there have been signs of some sort of camaraderie between Tems and Future. Tems had even texted him about how their collabo got her to the Grammys, and so on.
South African police say evidence gathered so far leads them to believe the killing of popular rapper AKA was an assassination.
KwaZulu-Natal police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said the gunman had approached AKA from behind and shot him at close range in the side of the head.
A second gunman then started firing to deter onlookers from responding to the “hit”, he added.
One of these rounds killed AKA’s friend, celebrity chef Tibz Motsoane.
The shooting occurred outside a restaurant in the coastal city of Durban on Friday night.
While police work to establish a full picture of what happened to AKA, whose real name was Kiernan Forbes, his father has asked people to stop speculating on social media.
Tony Forbes says the family are focusing on giving their son “a dignified send-off”, and he has thanked the many well-wishers whose support is “making it easier to cope”.
He has also paid tribute to Motsoane, saying he was “like a brother” to AKA.
No arrests have yet been made.
But police say they know the identities of the “two shooters”, and are still checking the identities of all of those at the scene in Durban that night.
Investigators are now using the suspects’ data to piece together their communication and movements in the run-up to the killings, Gen Mkhwanazi has told the Newzroom Africa TV channel.
While police remain tight-lipped about the investigation into AKA’s murder, musos, media personalities and politicians have all paid tribute to the popular rapper. Their message has been consistent: AKA was a musical giant in South Africa's hip hop scene.https://t.co/Ij5mFpiIM1
“We know that the aim was to first kill AKA, and the second suspect could have killed any other [person] because they fired a couple of shots – so anybody who was on the way could have been hit,” he says.
AKA is to be buried on Saturday and a public memorial service will be held on Friday afternoon at the Sandton convention centre in the main city, Johannesburg, his father says.
He began his musical career as part of the rap group Entity before he launched his solo career, winning several awards in South Africa for his music.
He was also celebrated internationally, with several nominations for a Black Entertainment Television (BET) Award in the US and an MTV Europe Music Award.
Hours before his death, the 35-year-old posted on social media about his upcoming album, Mass Country, which is set for release later this month.
A 50-second Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage, showing the fatal shooting of South African rapper, AKA has emerged on social media platforms.
AKA born Keirnan Jarryd Forbes according to reports late last week, was shot multiple times by unknown gunmen outside a popular restaurant on Florida Road in Durban.
The CCTV footage, shows the rapper emerge from the restaurant in the company of some associates and engage in the exchange of pleasantries including hugs.
While in the process, a man in a grey hood and black pants emerges from the left-lower part of the screen. The unidentified man pulls what looks like a pistol and shoots the rapper in the head from his back before dashing away from the scene.
The firing of the gunshot sent people at the scene into a frenzy as the rapper slumped into a pool of blood.
In a statement announcing his death, parents of the rapper, Tony and Lyn Forbes said “It is with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son, and confirm his untimely and tragic passing on the evening of February 10, 2023.
“Our son was loved and he gave love in return. In this time of grief we appeal for your compassion, space and time to congregate as family to decide on the upcoming days. We thank you for the love and support we have received thus far, and ask you to continue to keep us in your prayers and uplifted in the Lord,” they added.
Police say they responded to a shooting incident at about 10:15 pm on Friday evening.
“On arrival, paramedics met total chaos and a scene where two men, believed to be in their late 30s, sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics assisted the men and unfortunately, the first male had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and showed no signs of life and was declared deceased at the scene,” ALS paramedic Garrith Jamieson is quoted as saying.
According to the police, while the rapper died at the scene, a second victim of the shooting incident died later at a hospital from extensive injuries.
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Watch CCTV footage of tragic shooting that took the life of AKA
South African controversial rapper, AKA, after disrespecting his colleague rapper, Cassper Nyovest has shown remorse for his actions.
The rapper recently used unsavory words at Cassper Nyovest in a bid to get him to sign a proposed boxing match which the two had arranged. The rapper, received backlash from the masses together with Cassper who refused to forgive him even after he had apologized.
AKA, feeling sorry for his irresponsible behavior, has taken to twitter to blame himself for allowing his idiot self get to him.
