SIX SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH AKA MURDER

South African police announced on Tuesday February 28 the arrest of six individuals in relation to the murder of renowned rap artiste Kiernan Forbes, widely known as AKA. The 35-year-old musician was fatally shot on February 10 last year while walking with a companion outside a popular restaurant in Durban, just hours before his scheduled performance at a nearby club.

Police Minister Bheki Cele confirmed the arrests during a press conference in Durban, stating that the suspects, the eldest aged 36, would appear in court on Thursday.

Provincial police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi disclosed to reporters that among those in custody were the alleged mastermind, two gunmen, two spotters, and the individual responsible for arranging firearms and vehicles. Mkhwanazi also revealed that some of the arrested suspects were linked to separate murder cases, with two apprehended in neighbouring Eswatini.

Authorities collaborated with Interpol and the Eswatini government to arrest the individuals hiding in Eswatini, with plans for extradition procedures underway, Mkhwanazi added. While suspicions regarding the motive behind the murder exist, police declined to elaborate further. Reports indicated that the rapper had been under surveillance from the moment of his arrival at Durban airport until the fatal incident outside the restaurant.