In a significant development, the alleged perpetrators behind the murder of renowned rapper AKA have been apprehended in Eswatini, over a year after the tragic incident. Police Minister Bheki Cele and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola confirmed this vital information during an urgent briefing held in Durban on Tuesday evening.
The rapper, AKA, was fatally shot in Durban on February 10, 2023. Now, his assailants have reportedly been tracked down hiding out in neighboring Eswatini.
According to Minister Cele, a total of six individuals have been arrested in connection with the murders of both AKA and Tibz. The arrested individuals include a coordinator, two shooters, two spotters, and the organizer responsible for firearms and vehicles. It was revealed that one of the spotters had trailed AKA from the airport upon his arrival in Durban on the tragic day.
KZN police commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi disclosed that the hit on AKA involved multiple vehicles, with four vehicles, a firearm, and cartridges already recovered. Notably, the last two vehicles used in the operation were hired. Some suspects were found hiding in a residence in Eswatini, with the oldest suspect being 36 years old.
General Mkhwanazi further detailed the timeline of arrests, with the first apprehension made on April 22, followed by subsequent arrests on October 24 and December 14. The two shooters were arrested in Eswatini on a Saturday, though they were initially taken into custody for other offenses before their connection to AKA’s murder was established.
[JUST IN] The @SAPoliceService this hour announces a breakthrough in the murder of South African musician #AKA and friend Tebello. Police investigations have led to the have arrest of SIX people including the shooters, spotters, and the coordinator of the hit. pic.twitter.com/3rcHfqLY73
— Lirandzu Themba (@LirandzuThemba) February 27, 2024
Eswatini Publication Proven Correct
Despite initial contradictions, Eswatini Times, the publication that first reported the arrests, stood by its story. Freelance journalist Sihle Mavuso affirmed the publication’s credibility, reinforcing their stance amidst the unfolding developments.
UPDATE: Another twist in the matter of South African hitmen arrested in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Although Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the provincial commissioner in KwaZulu-Natal, yesterday denied that the suspects are linked to the murder of musician AKA and his friend in… pic.twitter.com/McS5YTAOQy
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) February 27, 2024
Addressing the leaked documents and information related to the investigation, General Mkhwanazi expressed disappointment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining secrecy until all arrests were completed.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the suspects will face a multitude of charges, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and money laundering.
