Late SA rapper AKA’s dad worried real killer ‘mastermind’ on the loose despite seven arrests
While five suspects linked to the brutal murders of Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and his close friend, Tebogo ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, appeared in court on Thursday, the late South African rapper’s father, Tony Forbes, has cast doubt on whether the true mastermind behind the killings is among those arrested.
In the wake of the arrests of seven individuals suspected by the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Wednesday, AKA’s father, Tony Forbes, expressed cautious optimism.
Mr Forbes, along with Minister of Police Bheki Cele in court, also acknowledged the family’s ongoing struggle following their loss on 10 February 2023 at Florida Road in Morningside – Durban.
Authorities allege that AKA Forbes was the intended target of a fatal shooting in Durban’s nightlife district last February. He was reportedly in the city for a scheduled event that night.
To date, seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. Two of the suspects remain in custody within Eswatini, awaiting extradition proceedings.
Five accused appeared in a packed courtroom at the Durban Magistrate’s Court for their first appearance – wearing masks and hoodies to hide their identities but were told to remove their face coverings.
Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, on Wednesday, 28 February, stated that the ‘mastermind’ behind AKA’s killing is part of the seven arrested.
But Mr Forbes has expressed reservations about whether the true mastermind behind the crime is among those apprehended.
“I don’t think the general provisional commissioner [Lieutenant Mkhwanazi] really meant the true mastermind; I think he was referring to the coordinator, so the coordinator, if I understand things correctly, received a sum of money and shared it with six other people, where did that money come from? Asked Mr Forbes.
“So if it came through the banking system, then the police should be able to pick up the trail and find out where it came from and continue the investigation. Is this the true mastermind? My gut feeling says no, but I haven’t done the investigation; I’m just speculating.”
With the Durban Magistrate’s Court postponing the case of five suspects to 6 March, AKA’s father, Forber, also added that things are hard, but he is grateful to see progress.
The five men, Lindani Ndimande, 30; Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, 30; Eddie Myeza, 22; Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, 36; and Lindokuhle Ndimande, 29, face a total of 10 charges, including murder and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
“It is difficult for all of us. Not only the Forbes family [but also] the Motsoane family, extended family. For all of us,” he told media. “I am cautiously optimistic. With the seven suspects in custody and starting court proceedings, for me, it is the start of the next stage,” added Mr Forbes.
“It’s the start to get closer to the truth, to find out who is behind all of this, but it is an important step we still have to go through. We are still only at the bottom of the pyramid.
“Police should be able to pick up the trail, find out where it came from and continue the investigation. Is this the true mastermind? My gut feeling says no, I haven’t done the investigation; I’m just speculating.”
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