By Siphesihle Dlamini
South African police have refuted claims that two suspects arrested in Eswatini are wanted in connection with the murder of acclaimed rapper AKA.
In a media statement, the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said the suspects in question will be extradited to South Africa to face a case of murder and attempted murder where a man, who was a passenger in a vehicle, was shot and killed in Berea on March 6 2023.
The driver of the vehicle survived the shooting and managed to drive to a fuel station in Berea where she sought assistance.
Investigation into that case pointed to the suspects who were traced and found to be hiding in Eswatini.
The Provincial Commissioner also expressed gratitude to the authorities in Eswatini for their commitment to eradicating cross-border and transnational crimes that threaten the law and order in our neighbouring countries.
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In the same vein, Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi has also acknowledged that the murder case of Kienan ‘AKA’ Forbes and Tebello ‘Tibs’ Motsoane has attracted huge public interest and is a topical case for both South African and international media.
He further reiterated the stance of police in KwaZulu-Natal that any development in that case will be timeously communicated with the concerned families first and then the public, through the media, will be informed of the developments.
Investigations into that matter are at a sensitive stage and the police do not wish to communicate any information that may compromise the investigation process.
The Provincial Commissioner stated that the ‘AKA’ and Tibs’ murder case is a complex one and there was and still are tons of evidential information to be analysed and processed.
He said this is a prosecution-led investigation and when the police have tied all the loose ends and covered all the loopholes, an announcement into the investigation and the progress thereof will be communicated.
The Provincial Commissioner has thanked the detectives who continue to spend sleepless nights pursuing suspects and ensuring that the victims of crimes and their families receive justice.