The Durban magistrate’s court has denied bail for the five men suspected of murdering South African rapper AKA. The decision was based on the magistrate’s assessment that releasing the suspects would be reckless and irresponsible.
Last year, AKA and his close friend, Tebello Motsoane, were fatally shot outside a Durban restaurant, shocking the nation. CCTV footage captured the assailant approaching and firing fatal shots. Police investigations revealed that hitmen were hired to target AKA, but no motive has been disclosed. Additionally, two more suspects accused of involvement are awaiting extradition from Eswatini.
AKA, born Kiernan Forbes in 1988 in Cape Town, was among South Africa’s most celebrated hip-hop artists, known for his solo albums and collaborations. Raised in the dangerous township of Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, he later moved to Johannesburg, where he attended St. John’s College and began his musical journey.
Forming a hip-hop group called Entity, the rapper earned nominations for a KORA All Africa Music Award, indicating his early promise.
After the group disbanded, he pursued sound engineering and produced hits for various artists, including ProKid and Kuli Chana. Collaborations with Burna Boy and other prominent artists further solidified his reputation.