The murder trial of South African rapper Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes and his friend Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane began on October 6, 2026, at the Durban High Court. The two were shot and killed outside a restaurant on Durban's Florida Road in February 2023. The investigating officer, Kumarasan Pillay, testified that the gun used in the murder was linked to another crime. Pillay's affidavit was read into the record by State prosecutor Lawrence Gcaba.
According to Pillay's testimony, the gun used to kill AKA and Motsoane was also used in the murder of Gift Khanyile and the attempted murder of two others. Eddie Myeza, one of the accused, was arrested eight months after the hit on Forbes in connection with the murder of Khanyile and the attempted murder of two others. Myeza was arrested again in February 2024 for the murder of Forbes and Motsoane.
Six out of the seven suspects in the AKA murder trial have applied to have their matters heard separately from Myeza's, who faces additional charges. The State is opposing the separation of trials. The suspects' lawyers argue that a joint trial will cause unnecessary delays, while the State believes that a joint trial will ensure a more efficient and effective prosecution.
The trial is being held at the Durban High Court, with Judge Thandi Mjali presiding. The court has heard testimony from several witnesses, including Pillay and other investigating officers. The prosecution has presented evidence linking the gun used in the murder to Myeza.
AKA, whose real name was Kiernan Forbes, was a well-known South African rapper and musician. His murder, along with that of his friend Motsoane, shocked the country's entertainment industry and fans. The police investigation into the murder was led by Pillay, who has extensive experience in investigating high-profile cases.
The trial is expected to continue with further testimony from witnesses and the presentation of evidence by the prosecution. The accused have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. If convicted, they could face life imprisonment for their roles in the murder.
The case has garnered significant attention in South Africa, with many fans and fellow musicians expressing their shock and sadness at AKA's death. The trial's outcome is expected to bring closure to AKA's family and fans, and to demonstrate the effectiveness of South Africa's justice system in prosecuting high-profile crimes.
Key points
- The gun used to kill AKA was linked to another murder, according to the investigating officer.
- Six of the seven suspects in the AKA murder trial have applied for a separation of trials.
- The trial is being held at the Durban High Court, with Judge Thandi Mjali presiding.
