The State has indicated that the investigation into the murders of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane may lead to additional arrests.
Story Summary:
- The State hints at potential additional arrests in the AKA and Tebello Motsoane murder case.
- Financial records are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
- Warning statements have been taken from several individuals.
- Five suspects have already appeared in court and remain in custody.
- The case is set to return to court in November.
More arrests expected in AKA murder case, State reveals
The State has indicated that the investigation into the murders of AKA and celebrity chef Tibz may lead to additional arrests.
This development comes as the ongoing investigation delves into financial records and other crucial evidence.
During Thursday’s court session, the State confirmed that warning statements have been obtained from several individuals, which have provided explanations that require further investigation.
A warning statement is a formal declaration or statement taken from a person of interest or a suspect by law enforcement authorities.
The purpose of a warning statement is to record the individual’s account of events or responses to certain questions while informing them of their rights.
State prosecutors told the court:
“Certain persons of interest were approached for warning statements. These statements were obtained with certain explanations that needed to be followed up. Part of this involves financial investigations.”
This implies that financial transactions and records are being scrutinised, potentially uncovering more information that could lead to further arrests.
The State requested that the matter be adjourned to 29 November 2024 to allow time for the completion of these investigations.
“We hope that on the 29th, based on whatever has been uncovered, we might have more than the five accused before court,” the State representative added.
The five suspects currently in custody were denied bail in previous proceedings.
The suspects have been linked to the crime through cellphone records, and their applications for bail were denied due to the strong evidence presented by the State.
Magistrate Vincent Hlatshwayo, in his ruling on the bail applications, highlighted the accused’s failure to dispute the cellphone linkages and stressed that it would be reckless to grant them bail given the evidence at hand.
He stated: “It is the finding of this court that there is a case for the applicants to answer. It would be reckless and irresponsible to allow the applicants on bail.”
Two additional suspects are still to be extradited from Eswatini, which will further complicate the legal proceedings.
