ON the morning of Saturday, February 11, South Africans awoke to the tragic news that award-winning South African rapper, Kiernan “AKA” Forbes was shot dead on Friday evening (February 10) in Florida Road, Durban.
Forbes was fatally shot along with another man just after 22:00 last night and police are appealing to anyone who may have information to contact them immediately.
“Information at police’s disposal at this stage indicate that the men were walking towards their vehicle from a restaurant when they were allegedly approached by two armed suspects who walked to them from across the street and shot the victims at close range. The suspects are reported to have fled from the scene on foot,” said Colonel Robert Netshiunda of the South African Police Services (SAPS).
Both men were declared dead at the scene. The motive of the shooting is unknown at this stage and police investigations are ongoing.
“Police are pleading with anyone who may have information which can assist in the investigation and lead to the apprehension of the suspects to contact the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111, alternatively, tip-offs can be relayed via the MySAPS App,” said Netshiunda.
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Condolences for the South African rapper have been pouring in and his family recently released a statement about his tragic and untimely passing.
Tony and Lynn Forbes, the parents of the late rapper, 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. We are waiting for further details from Durban Police.”
The mourning parents went on to acknowledge that their son leaves behind many loved ones and a daughter, “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 his 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.”
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EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda has condemned the senseless killing and has called on police to speed up the investigation and bring those responsible to book.
“The news of AKA’s passing comes as a shock to us as we were looking forward to seeing him perform at the Durban All White Concert at the Durban ICC next week on Saturday. We call upon members of the community who might have witnessed the incident to share information with the police,” said Kaunda.
He added that the inhumane killing of the rapper on a popular nightlife street will have an impact on Durban’s hottest nightspots image that the Municipality and its partners have worked hard over the years to build.
“The freedom of our residents is threatened each time a person is killed or robbed. We implore the police to be firm and to act decisively in rooting out rouge elements that are behind the killing of innocent people. We remain committed to intensifying the fight against crime,” added Mayor Kaunda.
The Mayor conveys his heartfelt condolences to the Forbes family, friends, and fans, saying: “Our thoughts are with the Forbes family during this difficult time.”
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