Tony Forbes Opens Up on AKA’s Murder InvestigationIn a recent emotional podcast appearance, Tony Forbes, father of the late South African rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the progress made in the investigation into his son’s murder. AKA and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane were tragically shot dead outside a Durban restaurant in February 2023.
Praise for the Police and ProsecutionTony Forbes praised the police and prosecution for their tireless efforts in pursuing justice for his son. “I feel we are on the right path. I feel like the police and prosecution have done a tremendous job. I have huge respect for them,” Forbes said, acknowledging the complexity of the case.
Forbes’ sentiments come as the case has seen significant developments, with seven men charged with the murders and facing trial in June 2026. The father of the “Sponono” hitmaker emphasized the importance of seeing justice served, stating, “I’d like to see justice. I need to see justice.”
Emotional Toll and ForgivenessDespite the pain and grief that still lingers, Tony Forbes has taken a significant step by forgiving his son’s killers. In the podcast, he revealed, “I have forgiven those people. I had not forgiven them before I knew who they were, but now that I know, I have forgiven them.”
Forbes’ journey towards forgiveness has not been easy, and he has had to confront his own emotions and the loss of his beloved son. He recalled the day he received the devastating news, saying, “Talia held out the phone and said, ‘My dad wants to tell you something’… He just said, ‘Tony, I’ve got bad news, Kiernan’s been shot’.”
Seeking ClosureAs the investigation continues, Tony Forbes is focused on finding closure and ensuring that justice is served. He expressed his desire for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to respond to comments made by former Police Minister Bheki Cele, which he believes have reopened old wounds. “At this moment, I think the NPA should be responding to what the ex Minister had said and set the record straight,” Forbes said.
The NPA’s response is crucial in bringing closure to the family and allowing them to heal. Forbes emphasized the importance of allowing the legal process to run its course, stating, “I want the nation to be told the facts.”
Legacy and MemoryAs Tony Forbes navigates this challenging time, he remains committed to protecting and enhancing his son’s legacy. “Our job, as a family, is to protect his legacy, to live his legacy, to enhance his legacy,” Forbes said, highlighting the importance of preserving AKA’s memory
