In a significant development, seven individuals have been apprehended in connection with the shocking murders of renowned South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, widely known as AKA, and his close associate, celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motshoane. The tragic incident occurred a year ago outside a Durban restaurant, leaving the nation in disbelief.

Authorities revealed that hitmen were hired to target AKA, though the motive behind the killings remains undisclosed. The suspects, all under 36 years old, are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

During a press briefing on Tuesday night, KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi stated, “It was clear that AKA was monitored from the airport, and Tibz was not the intended target in the murder on Florida Road in Durban.” Lt Gen Mkhwanazi added that the suspects were paid for their roles in the crime.

The arrested individuals encompass two alleged gunmen responsible for firing at the victims, three spotters accused of tracking AKA from the airport, an individual involved in procuring firearms used in the attack, and the alleged mastermind. Some of the suspects also have ties to unrelated murder cases.

Six suspects were initially announced on Tuesday evening, with a seventh apprehended on Wednesday morning. The additional suspect, a 30-year-old South African citizen, is accused of acting as a spotter.

The two alleged gunmen were discovered in Eswatini, and plans are underway to extradite them for murder charges in South Africa. Exhibits recovered during the arrests include four vehicles, firearms linked to the murders, and empty cartridges.

Police Minister Bheki Cele acknowledged the profound impact of the killings on the nation and expressed hope that the arrests would bring solace to the public. Reflecting on the motive, Cele mentioned, “We are all interested to know what the motive was. It is very clear that it was not a case of someone waking up in the morning angry. You can see that in the build-up and co-ordination.”

AKA, who began his career in the rap group Entity before achieving solo success, garnered numerous awards in South Africa and international recognition with nominations from Black Entertainment Television (BET) and MTV Europe. He posthumously received an honor at the BET Hip Hop Awards last year.