AKA’s Assassination Sparks Concerns, Cabinet Ministers Say Government Failed to Address Gun Violence

• The assassination of rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes has cast the spotlight on gun violence plaguing the country
• Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele said government failed to deal with the issue, which has left hundreds dead
• Social media users expressed anger, with many saying it took a celebrity’s death for government to intervene

CAPE TOWN - The assassination of Kiernan "AKA" Forbes was discussed at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 15 February.

Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele addressed the media on Thursday, 16 February and sent his condolences to the loved ones of the slain rapper and Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane. The pair were gunned down on Durban’s Florida Road last week.

Gungubele said the recent violent attacks that left numerous dead and others injured emphasised the impact of gun violence and the impact on communities, TimesLIVE reported. He said the incidents highlighted government’s failure to protect citizens.

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The minister added that the capacities of the National Prosecuting Authority, the justice system and the police would be reinforced. He said the SAPS is also intensifying operations to seize illegal firearms.

Police efforts include ensuring there are more officers on the streets and establishing specialised teams to focus on specific types of crime. Gungubele added that the police will use data-driven methods to identify and target crime hotspots.

According to EWN, over 65 000 guns have been removed from circulation.

Mzansi reacts to Cabinet’s plan to tackle gun violence following AKA’s killing

Jacqueline Bradshaw said:

“What about all the other people that have been murdered, just forgotten like AKA will be?”

Freddy Arnold Mphasane posted:

“The biggest problem is lawlessness in our country. People kill more and more because it's easy to get away with it.”

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Zolani Gushman commented:

“Gun violence is new to ministers, us on the ground, we are used to it.”

Scelo Maziya KaSunduza wrote:

“So you only noticed these gun killings after AKA?”

Vusi Wiseman added:

“It’s only on agenda because of AKA, otherwise it’s not a problem, yet it's happening daily.”

EFF leader Julius Malema doubtful that AKA and DJ Sumbody will ever get justice, leaving Mzansi divided

Briefly News also reported that South Africa is still reeling from the tragic murders of artists Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka and, most recently, Kiernan “AKA” Forbes.

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malama is doubtful that the country will ever find answers about why criminals killed the two music heavyweights so violently.

AKA, one of South Africa’s leading rappers, was killed in what appears to be a hit, alongside longtime friend and celebrity chef Tebello "Tibz” Motsoane, on Friday, 10 February.

Source: Briefly News