One of South Africa’s leading rappers, known as AKA, has been shot dead outside a restaurant in the coastal city of Durban. Kiernan Forbes was murdered along with his best friend, chef, and entrepreneur Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane. The couple is believed to have been on their way to a nightclub for a performance as part of Forbes’ birthday party when they were shot. The motive for the killing is under investigation. Police spokesman Colonel Robert Netshiunda told a news portal that as the rapper and his boyfriend were walking to the car, from point-blank range he was approached by two gunmen.
The assailants then fled the scene on foot. Police have said they don’t want to speculate on whether the murders were a result of a hit but said that possibility cannot be ruled out. Forbes 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. Forbes’ parents have paid tribute to him in a statement posted on one of his social media accounts.
Motosoane, who was also the former manager of AKA, has been described on social media as a “true gentleman.” South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world, and shootings are not uncommon. Gun Free South Africa, a charity that works to reduce gun violence in the country, estimates that 30 people are killed by guns in the country every day.
