In a significant development in the high-profile case surrounding the tragic murders of musician Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, widely known as AKA, and his close friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, six suspects have been apprehended and are slated to face trial on Thursday. The arrests, which occurred on Tuesday evening, mark a crucial advancement in the investigation into the untimely deaths that shook South Africa.
The suspects, facing an array of charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, were presented to the public by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, at the SA Police Service provincial headquarters in Durban. Among those present at the briefing were distinguished figures in law enforcement, including Police Minister Bheki Cele and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, signifying the gravity of the situation.
During the announcement, Mkhwanazi emphasized that Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was the primary target of the shooting, clarifying that Motsoane was tragically “at the wrong place at the wrong time.” Shedding light on the roles played by the suspects, Mkhwanazi delineated a disturbing narrative of orchestrated violence. “The six suspects have played different roles during the operation. We have the coordinator, who is the master of everything. We have two shooters that we all saw on social media. We have two spotters. One of the spotters was inside the restaurant observing Mr Forbes and his friends, as well as the organizer of firearms and vehicles used as getaways,” stated Mkhwanazi.
Providing further details of the chilling sequence of events, Mkhwanazi revealed that the spotter had initially trailed Forbes from the airport to the hotel and eventually to the restaurant where the fatal shooting transpired. The incident occurred on 10 February 2023, along Durban’s bustling Florida Road, as Forbes and Motsoane were leaving the Wish restaurant, sending shockwaves throughout the nation.
In a startling revelation, Mkhwanazi disclosed that some of the vehicles utilized during the murder were rented, underscoring the premeditated nature of the crime. The meticulous investigation, spanning several months, led to the arrest of the first suspect on 22 April 2023 in Belhar, Cape Town. This individual, believed to be the alleged organizer who procured vehicles and firearms, was also implicated in several unrelated murders, amplifying the severity of the charges.
Subsequent breakthroughs in the case culminated in the apprehension of the second suspect on 24 October 2023, identified as an alleged spotter with connections to another unrelated murder in the Berea area. Mkhwanazi emphasized the critical role played by forensic evidence, particularly the link between the suspects and the murder through four vehicles utilized in the planning, spotting, and getaway. These vehicles, including a Mercedes Benz, BMW, Hyundai i10, and VW Polo, formed integral components of the meticulously orchestrated crime.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and the invaluable cooperation of the public, Mkhwanazi expressed optimism regarding the forthcoming trial. The return of two rented vehicles to their owner, accompanied by a comprehensive statement furnished to the police, underscores the determination to ensure justice prevails in this tragic saga that has gripped the nation.
As South Africa awaits further developments in this compelling case, the arrests of the six suspects serve as a testament to the unwavering commitment of law enforcement authorities in upholding the rule of law and seeking closure for the families affected by these senseless acts of violence.
This website uses cookies.
