Julius Malema has expressed his concern over South African artists following the death of rapper Kiernan AKA Forbes. Images via Twitter @LuckyThobejane9@akaworldwide
Julius Malema shaken after AKA’s death: ‘What’s happening?!’
Malema has seemingly been left speechless by local rapper AKA’s passing. The controversial EFF leader took to Twitter to express his shock.
Julius Malema has expressed his concern over South African artists following the death of rapper Kiernan AKA Forbes. Images via Twitter @LuckyThobejane9@akaworldwide
Scores of South Africans are mourning the death of 35-year-old rapper Kiernan Forbes — better known by his stage name AKA. The musician died on Friday, 10 February this year. The star, affectionately called “Supa Mega” by his many fans, was gunned down outside Wish nightclub in Durban.
The news has sent locals into a frenzy as thousands pour out their heartfelt condolences to the rapper’s family. This after his mother and father — Lynn and Tony Forbes — took to his Instagram page to confirm the tragic news.
Among those who have spoken out about his passing are controversial politicians Julius Malema and Fikile Mbalula.
AKA: The death of a star
Friday night took a terrible turn for rapper AKA who was shot and killed outside a Durban restaurant. Footage of the murder has gone viral as shocked South Africans share their theories on who is behind it.
In CCTV footage from outside the club, the Lemonade singer can be seen hugging his former manager and close friend chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane before two unknown gunmen approach and shoot both of them at close range.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiund told EWN: “What we know is that as they were leaving to their vehicle, two unknown gunmen came across the street on foot and opened fire on them, killing them instantly.”
ALSO READ: CCTV footage: AKA fans disturbed by ‘execution-style’ death
Celebrities such as Cassper Nyovest and Bonang have shared messages of support with the families of the deceased on social media while AKA’s girlfriend Nadia Nakai — who was not with him at the time of the shooting — has yet to make a social media appearance.
Julius Malema and Fikile Mbalula express concern over rapper’s passing
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters’ Julius Malema has expressed shock and concern over AKA’s passing which comes shortly after another local musician DJ Sumbody — real name Oupa John Sefoka — was killed in a hail of bullets in November last year while traveling to Woodmead in Johannesburg for a performance.
ALSO READ: Bonang blue-ticks ex AKA’s death, likes tribute to Tibz instead
Taking to Twitter, Malema wrote:
“What’s happening to our artists now?”
Shortly after his tweet, the official EFF page shared this tweet:
“Crime in South Africa is out of control, and the assassination of civilians has become a norm.
“AKA was an indisputable talent and the music industry has lost an innovative artist. May His Soul Rest In Peace.”
ALSO READ: ‘Two abusers, one go’: Nampree ‘celebrates’ AKA, Tibz death
While Fikile Mbalula, the Minister of Transport, wrote:
“Kiernan was a great talent, a proud South African who loved his country and its people; his music expressed that love, and appreciation for our diverse cultures. My deep and sincere condolences are to his family, especially his young daughter, his friends, and many of his loyal fans.”
South Africans have had mixed reactions to the politicians’ posts and called on them to work on the crime rate in South Africa. Many made mention of the hundreds and thousands of unsolved murder cases in the country.
