On February 10, 2023, South African rapper Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, known as AKA, was fatally shot in a targeted attack on Florida Road, Durban, leaving the nation and music industry in mourning. The 35-year-old, celebrated for hits like “Fela in Versace” and “Victory Lap,” was gunned down alongside his close friend and former manager, Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, in a close-range shooting that police later described as an “organized hit.” As of August 2025, the investigation continues with significant developments, underscoring the profound loss of a hip-hop icon.
The Night of the Tragedy
AKA, born in Cape Town and raised in Johannesburg, was in Durban to perform at YUGO nightclub as part of his 35th birthday celebrations. Around 10:00 p.m., as he and Tibz left Wish Restaurant on Florida Road, two gunmen approached, shooting AKA in the head and Tibz in the chest at close range before fleeing on foot, per police reports cited by The New York Times. “AKA was the only individual targeted,” an eyewitness told News24, noting he was shot five times at 8:00 p.m., though later reports clarified the timing. The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed the deaths, launching two murder investigations, with Florida Road cordoned off that night.
The attack, initially reported as a drive-by, was later confirmed as a close-range execution, with police revealing six individuals were involved, including a mastermind who tracked AKA from King Shaka International Airport, per IOL. “This was a planned hit,” SAPS spokesperson Robert Netshiunda stated, ruling out random violence.
AKA’s Legacy and Family’s Grief
AKA, often hailed as South Africa’s best-selling hip-hop artist, left an indelible mark with albums like Altar Ego (2011) and Mass Country (2023), released posthumously. His parents, Tony and Lynn Forbes, shared their “extreme sadness” in a statement on AKA’s Instagram, describing him as a “son, brother, and father” to his daughter Kairo, with ex-partner DJ Zinhle. “Our son was loved and gave love in return,” they wrote, appealing for privacy as they grieved. The South African government and fans, known as the Megacy, mourned his loss, with tributes like “Rest Easy, Supa Mega” flooding social media, per eNCA.
Investigation Updates as of 2025
By February 2025, seven suspects were arrested in connection with the murders, with five—Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande—facing trial in Durban High Court, per IOL. Two others, Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, remain in custody in Eswatini, fighting extradition. The accused face 11 charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and unlawful possession of firearms. “The investigation continues to unfold,” police noted, with a court appearance scheduled for May 2025, reflecting ongoing efforts to deliver justice.
Broader Context and Impact
AKA’s death, alongside Tibz’s, highlighted South Africa’s high murder rate, with Gun Free South Africa estimating 30 daily gun-related deaths, per BBC. In Nigeria, facing 52.2% inflation and a naira at ₦450 to the US dollar in 2023, the tragedy resonated as a reminder of the vulnerability of public figures. AKA’s killing, coupled with other 2023 losses like rapper Costa Titch, sparked discussions about safety in the music industry, per FOX3 Now.
Honoring a Legend
As South Africa marks two years since AKA’s death, his music and influence endure. “He was a generation-defining rapper,” The New York Times wrote, noting his blend of local sounds with global hip-hop. The ongoing investigation and tributes reflect a nation’s resolve to honor AKA’s legacy while seeking justice for a senseless loss.
