Recent updates surrounding the investigation into the murder of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes have seen the South African Police Service (SAPS) maintaining a cautious stance amid emerging reports.
UPDATE: On Tuesday evening, the South African Police Service, led by Minister Bheki Cele, hosted a media briefing on the latest updates in the AKA murder investigation. Tune into the live stream below.
SAPS dances around reports of imminent extradition in AKA murder case
SAPS has been notably reserved in its comments on the extradition of two suspects arrested in Eswatini linked to the AKA murder case. Despite significant media attention from neighbouring countries, SAPS has not confirmed the specifics of the extradition process.
In a statement, KZN spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that, indeed, authorities are working with Eswatini law enforcement agencies and lawmakers to finalise the extradition of two men.
However, this is related to “a case of murder and attempted where a man, who was a passenger in a vehicle, was shot and killed in Berea on 6 March 2023.”
“The driver of the vehicle survived the shooting and managed to drive to a fuel station in Berea where she sought assistance. Investigation into that particular case pointed to the suspects who were traced and found to be hiding in Eswatini,” the police clarified.
Coincidentally, the police statement did not outrightly deny emerging reports from Eswatini suggesting the two suspects were also prime suspects in the AKA murder case.
“The Provincial Commissioner [Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi] also expressed his gratitude to the authorities in Eswatini for their commitment in eradicating cross-border and transnational crimes that threaten the law and order in our neighbouring countries. On the same vein, Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi has also acknowledged that the murder case of Kienan ‘AKA’ Forbes and Tebello ‘Tibs’ Motsoane has attracted huge public interest and is a topical case for both local and international media. He further reiterated the stance of police in KwaZulu-Natal that any development in that case will be timeously communicated with the concerned families first and then the public, through the media, will be informed of the developments,” the statement read.
Eswatini media reveals chilling details about the two suspects
Reports from Eswatini have shed light on two South African nationals, brothers aged 28 and 29 from Durban, arrested for their alleged involvement in the AKA murder case.
According to the Times of Eswatini, information from reliable sources, including members of the country’s police force, suggests these individuals are hitmen, with their activities extending beyond the borders into Eswatini.
It has been disclosed that they were hiding in Eswatini under the guise of tenants in a rented house, from where the Royal Eswatini Police Service apprehended them.
The arrest unveiled not only their connection to the AKA murder but also their alleged involvement in other crimes, including murder cases concerning taxi owners and charges of money laundering and kidnapping.
It’s believed a third suspect, who evaded arrest, is still at large.
KZN police, while not singing from the same tune as Eswatini authorities, admitted that “investigations into that particular matter is at a sensitive stage.”
“The ‘AKA’ and Tibs’ murder case is a complex one and there was and still are tons of evidential information to be analysed and processed. This is a prosecution-led investigation and when the police have tied all the loose ends and covered all the loopholes, an announcement into the investigation and the progress thereof will be communicated,” Col. Netshiunda said.
Who killed AKA and Tibz?
The murder of AKA and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane remains a poignant question, with investigations ongoing one year later.
The duo was tragically shot outside a Durban restaurant, on Friday, 10 February 2023, leading to widespread speculation about possible motives and links to the death of Anele Tembe.
However, to this day, the police have yet to formally announce a breakthrough in the investigation.
“The Provincial Commissioner has thanked the detectives who continue to spend sleepless nights pursuing suspects and ensuring that the victims of crimes and their families receive justice,” KZN police noted.
