AKA’s Father Tony Forbes Speaks Out As Late Rapper’s Murder Trial Finally Begins

• AKA's father, Tony Forbes, broke his silence ahead of the murder trial, opening up about how he feels as the case finally gets underway
• Forbes admitted he was both anxious and relieved that the long-awaited trial had begun, sharing what he hoped the process would deliver
• The seven accused men appeared in court, facing serious charges including two counts of murder

Three years after losing his son, Tony Forbes is bracing himself for a process he describes as both necessary and emotionally gruelling.

Speaking to eNCA on 5 October 2026, the father of the late rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes - affectionately known as Uncle Tony - opened up as the murder trial of both the rapper and his friend and former manager Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane finally got underway.

"I am a bit anxious about what I will hear and see, but it is an important event for me to go through as part of closure," Forbes said, striking a tone that balanced quiet resolve with raw vulnerability.

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While acknowledging his nerves, Forbes expressed trust in the work investigators had put in over the past few years. He believed the time taken to build the case was necessary rather than frustrating.

"I am confident that the work has been done. I'd like to think that whoever is responsible will be held accountable. I'm anxious, but it is also important, and I'm happy that we're at this point."

He also prepared himself for a lengthy legal process, stressing that speed should not come at the cost of thoroughness.

"I am preparing myself for what could be another marathon. I don't think it will be over quickly because it has to be done properly. It's not going to bring Kiernan or Tibz back if it goes fast. It must be done properly."

AKA and Motsoane were shot and killed on Durban's Florida Road in February 2023. Seven men appeared in the Durban High Court on Monday, 5 October, facing charges that include conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of murder, attempted murder, and firearms- and ammunition-related offences. According to eNCA, the State plans to call more than 40 witnesses during the proceedings.

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"The trauma is still there"

Despite his composure in front of the cameras, Forbes did not hide the weight he still carries. "The trauma is still there," he acknowledged, adding that even a conviction would not undo the loss.

Notably, Forbes said he had deliberately avoided fixating on the motive behind the killing.

"It's pointless. I'm not even sure that the 'why' will come out. For me, this is just the bottom of the pyramid, and we may never get there to understand the why and who."

The trial comes after he withdrew as a witness in the inquest into the death of Anele Tembe, AKA's late fiancée. That inquest has since been postponed to 19 October.

Watch Tony Forbes' interview below.

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Source: Briefly News