One of South Africa’s leading rappers, popularly known as AKA, has been shot dead outside a restaurant in the coastal city of Durban.
Kiernan Forbes was killed along with his close friend, chef and entrepreneur Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsone.
It is thought the pair were on their way to a nightclub for a performance as part of Forbes’ birthday celebrations when they were shot.
The motive behind the killing is being investigated.
Police spokesman Colonel Robert Netshiunda told the BBC that the rapper and his friend were walking to their car when two armed men approached them and shot them at close range.
The assailants then fled the scene on foot.
Police said they did not want to speculate on whether the killings were the result of a hit but said the possibility could not be ruled out.
Forbes began his music career as part of the rap group Entity before embarking on his solo career, winning several awards in South Africa for his music.
He was celebrated internationally with numerous nominations for a Black Entertainment Television (BET) Award in the US and an MTV Europe Music Award.
Hours before his death, the 35-year-old posted on social media about his upcoming album Mass Country, which will be released later this month.
Forbes’ parents paid tribute to him in a statement posted on his social media accounts.
“To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, most importantly a father to his beloved daughter Cairo,” he wrote.
“To many, he was affectionately called AKA, Supa Mega, Bhoa and his legions of fans. Our son was loved and loved in return.”
Motsone, a former manager of AKA, has been described on social media as a “true gentleman”.
South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world and shootings are not uncommon.
Gun Free South Africa, a charity working to reduce gun violence in the country, estimates that 30 people are killed by guns every day in the country.
Source: BBC
| Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility, legal or otherwise, for the accuracy of their content. Please report any inappropriate content to us and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. |
Featured video
