Police officials in South Africa have announced the arrest of seven men connected to the tragic murder of rapper AKA.
AKA, born Kiernan Forbes, was fatally shot on February 10, 2023, outside a restaurant in Durban alongside his friend, celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
The motive for the shooting has not been publicly disclosed by the police. AKA’s death came just weeks before he was scheduled to release a new album, “Mass Country.”
In the months following his murder, significant progress has been reported in the investigation. Law enforcement officials located the gun used in the killing and have identified several vehicles associated with the crime, including getaway and spotting vehicles.
The gun was reportedly found in May and linked to AKA’s murder through ballistics, belonging to a man in his early 20s from Umlazi.
‘The committee noted the arrest as a testament to the dedication and adherence to the principles of investigation and hopes that the arrests will lead to successful prosecution,” according to a statement by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of The Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr. Nocks Seabi.
The case sparked widespread calls for justice, with hashtags like #JusticeforAKA circulating on social media.
According to Seabi, the committee voiced concerns over the rampant issue of illegal firearms on the streets, contributing significantly to the murder rate and the disturbing fact that 22 police officers were killed in the line of duty During October, November, and December of 2023.
The committee’s discussions also highlighted the urgent need for enhanced strategies to curb illegal firearms, capacitate specialized units for focused crime fighting, and foster community collaboration through Community Police Forums (CPFs).