South African police arrest 6 people in connection with murder of renowned rapper AKA
South African authorities announced on Tuesday that they havd apprehended six individuals in connection with the tragic murder of the esteemed rap artist Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA. The 35-year-old musician met a shocking demise on February 10 last year, falling victim to gunfire while strolling with a friend outside a prominent Durban restaurant, mere hours before he was scheduled to grace a nearby club with his performance.
Police Minister Bheki Cele delivered the news during a press conference in Durban, stating, “Six people have been arrested that will appear in court on Thursday.” The suspects, with the oldest being 36, are set to face legal proceedings, and there is a possibility of additional individuals being implicated in the case.
Provincial police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi shed light on the arrested parties, revealing the capture of the alleged “mastermind,” two gunmen, two spotters, and the “organiser of firearms and vehicles.” Notably, several of the apprehended individuals were connected to separate murder cases, with two having been detained in the neighboring landlocked country of Eswatini.
Mkhwanazi disclosed that collaborative efforts involving Interpol and the Eswatini government facilitated the arrest of two individuals who were “hiding” in Eswatini. Extradition procedures are set to be initiated for their return to South Africa.
While authorities have a suspicion regarding the motive behind the murder, Commissioner Mkhwanazi refrained from divulging further details. However, it was disclosed that the rapper had been under surveillance from the moment of his arrival at Durban airport to the tragic incident at the restaurant.
South Africa, grappling with one of the world’s highest murder rates, has witnessed various entertainment stars falling victim to violent crimes. In 2007, reggae singer Lucky Dube was fatally shot three times during a failed carjacking attempt while dropping off his teenage son at a relative’s home.
The latest arrest in the AKA case sheds light on the pervasive issue of violence, with South Africa recording almost 84 murders a day between October and December, according to recent police statistics. As the investigation unfolds, the nation awaits further details surrounding the motives and circumstances leading to the untimely demise of the influential rap artist.
About The Author
