One of South Africa's leading rappers, popularly known as
AKA, has been shot dead outside a restaurant in the coastal city of Durban.
Kiernan Forbes was killed along with his close friend, the
chef and entrepreneur Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane.
The pair are thought to have been on their way to a
nightclub for a performance as part of Forbes' birthday celebrations when they
were shot.
The motive of the killing is being investigated.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda has told the
BBC that the rapper and his friend were walking to their car when they were
approached by two armed men who shot them at close range.
The assailants then fled the scene on foot.
Police have said they don't want to speculate on whether the
murders were a result of a hit but said that possibility cannot be ruled out.
Forbes began his musical career as part of the rap group
Entity before he launched his solo career, winning several awards in South
Africa for his music.
He was also celebrated internationally, with several
nominations for a Black Entertainment Television (BET) Award in the US and an
MTV Europe Music Award.
Hours before his death, the 35-year-old posted on social
media about his upcoming album, Mass Country, which is set for release later
this month.
Forbes' parents have paid tribute to him in a statement
posted on one of his social media accounts.
"To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was a son, brother,
grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, most importantly father to his beloved
daughter Kairo," they wrote.
"To many, he was AKA, Supa Mega, Bhova and the many
other names of affection his legion of fans called him by. Our son was loved
and gave love in return."
Motsoane, who was also AKA's former manager, has been
described on social media as "a true gentleman".
South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the
world and shootings are not uncommon.
The charity Gun Free South Africa, which works to reduce gun
violence in the country, estimates that 30 people are murdered in the country
with guns daily.
By Nomsa Maseko & Kathryn Armstrong || in
Johannesburg and London
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