Nelli Tembe’s dad speaks on AKA’s death

The father of AKA’s late fiancee Nelli Tembe, Moses has reacted in shock and sadness to the rapper’s death.

AKA – real name Kiernan Forbes – was shot and killed outside a restaurant on Durban’s Florida road on Friday evening. His death comes almost two years after Nelli allegedly ended her life after falling off the balcony of a Cape Town hotel in April 2021.

AKA admitted to being in a “toxic” relationship with Tembe, following her death. The rapper was also accused of physically and mentally abusing the 22-year-old.

Speaking to TimesLive, Nelli Tembe’s businessman dad – who is based in Durban – expressed his shock at the death of AKA.

He said in a statement; “It is with a deepest shock that we’ve learned of the passing of Kiernan.”

“Kiernan was an extraordinarily talented musician. His music contributed meaningfully to South Africa’s rich musical tapestry. We extend our condolences to his extended family and his fans.”

Moses Tembe then urged the public “to show compassion and give the family space, time and respect on all platforms.”

Moses’s comments come months after he revealed that the family was trying to put the death of Nelli Tembe behind them.

He told TshisaLive last year amid an ongoing police investigation: “We have our eyes focused on establishing the Anele Tembe Foundation, which we hope would benefit thousands of young women and parents.”

At her funeral, Nelli Tembe’s dad made headlines when he sensationally claimed that she did not commit suicide, as stated by AKA.

During his tribute, he said, “As Anele’s father, I categorically state Anele was neither suicidal nor did she commit suicide. We must, as a matter of priority, deal with the scourge that bedevils our youth, alcohol, which is overused, and drugs. Fellow South Africans, we better wake up and smell the coffee. We have a serious problem with substance abuse.

He continued: “I cannot allow an unfortunate narrative to go unchallenged, a narrative that irks me to no end that is ‘Anele was chronically suicidal.’ All I can say is until Anele turned 21, not a single member of her family, my family would have associated her with suicide”.

However, in a bombshell interview with The Barleader TV in May, AKA claimed that his partner had reportedly struggled with depression and had attempted suicide on multiple occasions.

Meanwhile, fans of AKA have been running wild with speculation of who is behind the shooting.

According to many music fans, the rapper was allegedly murdered as an act of “revenge.” This, following Nelli Tembe’s death almost two years ago.

Here’s what tweeps had to say…

@Tizo_Bati: “Nelli Tembe was from Durban & AKA got gunned down In Durban, so let me give you guys space to put one and one together.”

@ekseAyabonga_: “Personally, I want Nelli Tembe’s family to be questioned. I don’t care.”

@NkanyanaB: “Conspiracy theory: What happened to AKA was very premeditated. Nelli Tembe’s family should be part of the people who will be investigated. They killed him.”

@Sdu_Ngcobx: “Rich people are patient when it comes to these things! They can wait two years for you to get comfortable and let your guard down, then they take revenge.”

@Komes_swe: “This is revenge for Nelli Tembe, not just a random shooting.”

In other news – Nadia Nakai immediately rushed out of a party following AKA’s death

The deaths of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, and friend and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Mostoane have left the country reeling from the tragic news.

As the matter of AKA’s passing was confirmed, it was since revealed and confirmed that friend and celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Molestane was also a casualty during the shooting. A video of the attending officer on the scene shares more light as to what happened during the shooting. It is reported that AKA and Tibz, Learn More