South African rapper Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, popularly known as AKA was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Durban.
The South African Police Service confirmed that, Forbes, who recently turned 35 and a colleague were shot several times while standing on the pavement outside a popular restaurant in Durban’s Florida Road on the night of the 10th of February.
A third man, believed to be a bodyguard, is understood to have been wounded in the shooting, which police say was carried out by three men travelling in two vehicles.
Forbes was reportedly hit by six bullets and died at the scene, as did the second man, who has not yet been formally identified, in the ambush that took place at around 10pm.
Forbes had posted on his Instagram story, minutes prior to the shooting, while having dinner at the famous Wish restaurant with a group of friends after having earlier spent time at a well-known barber shop in the same complex.
The award-winning rapper was scheduled to perform at a Durban nightclub later on Friday as part of his birthday celebrations.
In a statement released on the deceased’s social media handles, Forbes’s parents, Tony and Lynn Forbes, said they “acknowledge the passing of our beloved son, and confirm his untimely and tragic passing”.
“To us Kieran Jarryd Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, most importantly a father to his beloved daughter Kairo. To many he was AKA, Supermega, Bhova and the many other names of affection his legion of fans called him. Our son was loved and he gave love in return.”
The statement also stated that they were awaiting further details from the Durban police and asked that they be accorded space to deal with their loss.
“In this time of grief we appeal for your compassion, space and time to congregate as family to decide on the upcoming days. We thank you for the love and support we have received thus far and ask you to continue to keep us in your prayers and uplifted in the Lord,” the statement concluded.
