It has been a day since the shocking news about Anele ‘Nelli’ Tembe went viral and many people are still trying to come to terms with the tragedy that befell the 22-year-old.
What happened to Nelli Tembe?
Social media was tilted on its head on Sunday morning when it was reported that a 22-year-old female had lost her life after falling from the 10th floor of the Pepperclub Hotel, at approximately 07:30.
A security guard who was first to the harrowing scene told IOL News about the horror he witnessed.
“I thought it was a car crash and we went to look and at first we didn’t see anything, and then someone shouted that there was someone lying on the street. We went closer and saw a naked young woman, she was still breathing at that time,” he said.
Paramedics tried their best to apply advanced life support measures to save Tembe but by then, it was too late.
The matter is being handled by Cape Town investigators. At this time, no indication has been made of any foul play in the tragedy but according to spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, the matter is being thoroughly probed.
“Cape Town Central police are investigating an inquest case after an incident at a hotel this morning at about 07:45 on the corners of Loop and Bloem Street, Cape Town CBD where the body of a 22-year-old woman was found deceased,” he said.
The Forbes-Tembe statement
A few hours after the incident was confirmed, the Tembe and Forbes family — recently adjoined in anticipation of a nuptial union — released a statement.
In it, they described AKA as being inconsolable and “surrounded by family and closest friends.”
“We are still in shock and are dealing with our emotions, as she was an exceptional and gifted young woman, with so much life ahead of her. She had a sweet nature about her and was always nurturing to those around her. Her fiancé, Kiernan Forbes, is currently inconsolable and is surrounded by family and closest friends. At this hour of our grief, we humbly request that our families be given privacy and time to heal,” the statement read.
AKA, understandably, has gone dark on social media. His fans and peers have continued to rally the rapper on in his darkest hour.
I can't stop thinking about AKA ☹
— Mpume (@MprueDie) April 12, 2021
I feel for AKA, I'm not a fan but no human being deserves to witness a partner passing away like that. I wouldn't even wish it for my worst enemy. I'm so sorry for your loss my brother may your families find comfort in knowing that Nellie has finally found peace. #RIPNellie
— Queen A (@anele_xhati) April 12, 2021
Watch: How Nelli Tembe spent her final moments alive
The story of Tembe’s tragic passing is still hard to swallow for many people, partly because, in the hours leading up to her death, she appeared very happy.
The couple was in Cape Town for AKA’s performance at the newly opened Ayepyep restaurant. They went shopping at the V&A Waterfront. They enjoyed lunch on the banks of the popular wharf and popped AKA’s signature Cruz Vodka later that evening.
Yesterday Nellie Tembe and AKA dancing at Ayepyep Lifestyle in Cape Town #RIPNellie pic.twitter.com/xXfbtbmbAM
— Musa Khawula (@khawula_musa) April 11, 2021
From the posts AKA published on his Instagram, it seems Tembe’s mood was on the up when they’d returned to the penthouse suite at Pepperclub.
This image of Tembe, posed in black shorts and a white cropped vest is the last photo of the 22-year-old, taken approximately five hours before she fell to her death.
Here is a compilation of Tembe’s last moments alive, captured from the lens of her soon-to-be husband.