Six Arrested in Connection with Murder of South African Rapper AKA South African authorities have apprehended six individuals in relation to the killing of popular rap artist Kiernan Forbes, also known as AKA, who was fatally shot on February 10 last year while walking with a friend outside a well-known Durban restaurant just hours before his scheduled performance at a nearby club.
Police Minister Bheki Cele announced the arrests during a press conference in Durban, revealing that the suspects, ranging in age, will appear in court on Thursday. Among those in custody are alleged masterminds, gunmen, spotters, and organizers of firearms and vehicles involved in the crime.
The provincial police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, disclosed that some of the detained individuals were linked to other murder cases, with two being apprehended in Eswatini, a neighboring landlocked country. Police collaborated with Interpol and the Eswatini government to apprehend these individuals, with extradition procedures underway.
While the motive behind the murder remains under investigation, it was revealed that the rapper had been monitored from his arrival at Durban airport to the restaurant.
South Africa, known for its high murder rate, has seen several entertainment figures become victims of violence. This includes incidents such as the fatal shooting of reggae singer Lucky Dube in 2007 during a failed carjacking.
With nearly 84 murders recorded daily between October and December, according to recent police statistics, the nation continues to grapple with significant challenges related to violent crime.
