Ongoing police chase after killers shot AKA at point-blank range and fled on foot

• Popular rapper AKA and another man were shot in a shooting on Florida Road in Durban.
• The musician was supposed to perform at a Durban nightclub later that night.
• Police are investigating two murder charges and are hunting the perpetrators, who fled the scene on foot.

Florida Road, the heart of Durban’s nightlife, is usually buzzing with activity on Friday nights when partygoers and revelers kick off the weekend. But this Friday was different.

Outside the popular Wish on Florida restaurant, a fancy European-inspired eatery, lay the body of well-known rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes. Inside, another man lay dead.

Police said the second man was his 34-year-old bodyguard, but according to celebrity tributes, the second man was his former manager, Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.

News24 understands that the fela in versace Hitmaker was in the area after receiving a haircut on the same highway earlier that day, when he and the other man were killed in a shootout. The incident occurred two weeks after he celebrated his 35th birthday.

KwaZulu-Natal Police spokesman Lt. Col. Robert Netshiunda said no other casualties had been reported.

A manhunt for the attackers is underway.

According to Netshiunda, Forbes and a bodyguard were walking to their vehicle from a restaurant when they were allegedly approached by two armed suspects who walked towards them from across the street and shot them at point-blank range.

netshiunda added:

ALS Paramedic Medical Services spokesman Garrith Jamieson said paramedics responded to multiple requests for assistance at the scene.

Upon arrival, “paramedics were met with complete chaos” upon discovering that two men had been shot multiple times.

“The first man showed no signs of life and there was nothing further paramedics could do for him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The second man was found in critical condition. Advanced Life Support paramedics worked to stabilize the man at the scene, however, the man’s condition deteriorated and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

“It is believed that one of the deceased was a well-known rapper, however SAPS will confirm and provide a statement to all media outlets,” it said.

When News24 arrived on Florida Road just before midnight, it was like a scene from a movie.

READ | AKA mourned by EFF, DA and more: ‘The music industry has lost a groundbreaking artist’

The area had been cordoned off, paramedics, police vehicles and officers were everywhere, shocked partygoers stood as they tried to sweat what had happened and it took hours for forensic officers to process the bodies.

The popular Cape Town musician was supposed to perform at a nightclub in Durban but was attacked around two hours before midnight.

Earlier, he was seen posing for photographs during what appeared to be a very lively gathering at another party venue in Durban.

Images posted on Instagram showed jovial scenes as the rapper toasted a table full of friends.

Following the news of his passing, fellow Forbes musicians and fans took to various social media platforms to express their shock.

Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation and lead to the arrest of the perpetrators can contact the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Alternatively, tips can be sent via the My SAPS app.