The five suspects supposedly arrested in connection with the murders of Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, were not linked to the double homicide, a lawyer confirmed.
AKA murder remains without suspects, lawyer confirms
On Thursday, Advocate Annelene van den Heever represented four of the five suspects arrested at a popular shopping mall in Belhar, Cape Town, on Sunday, 26 March 2023.
While several reports emerged at the time, linking the epic take down to ongoing investigations led by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) detectives manning the AKA double murder, Advocate Van Den Heever made it clear her clients were, in no way, charged in connection with the assassination of the Mass Country rapper.
Netwerk24 first linked the five suspects’ arrests to the AKA murder case in an exclusive report published on Sunday, 26 March 2023.
The publication, at the time, quoted details obtained from sources supposedly close to the investigation, where it was claimed the five suspects had allegedly fled from KZN to Cape Town after the Company star and his ex-manager were viciously gunned down outside a popular restaurant in Florida Road, Durban, on the evening of Friday, 10 February 2023.
However, Advocate Van Den Heever argued in court, on Thursday, that not only was this fake news but that her clients were unlawfully held longer than 48 hours without being charged.
According to state prosecutors, the suspects in question were linked to a hijacking case, which, the court found on Thursday, was registered under an invalid CAS number.
Four of the five suspects have since been released, while Siphamandla Ngcobo was booked for robbery with aggravated circumstances.
Van Den Heever’s comments come a day after KZN police released a scathing statement, warning “the media and everyone else to refrain from making reports that have the potential of jeopardising ongoing investigations.”
“Police are appealing for space and time to investigate the matter without undue pressure and unwarranted scrutiny from armchair investigators, analysists and faceless so-called sources who are claiming to be closer to the investigations. Police are duty-bound to keep the victims’ families abreast about any developments in the investigations. These irresponsible reporting rub salt into the fresh wounds of the family members who have put their faith on law enforcement to bring perpetrators to book and for justice to prevail.
“Investigations into the murders are ongoing and police will keep the public updated as and when there is any breakthrough or development worth communicating about,” police said.
The police’s sentiments were echoed by the Forbes family, who, in a statement, warned fans of hurling false accusations and assumptions that “may cause more harm than good.”
“At this time, we call on the Megacy to mourn responsibly and ask for patience so that the law enforcers have the space to do their job. We humbly request that you continue celebrating Kiernan’s life, preserve his memory and continue his legacy through his music. Your joyous celebration of his life gives us comfort,” the statement read.