Tony Forbes Slams Madlanga Commission for Airing Graphic Footage of Son AKA’s Murder

Tony Forbes has criticised the Madlanga Commission for broadcasting graphic footage of his son’s murder during testimony last week.

Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes was fatally shot alongside celebrity chef Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane as the pair exited a restaurant on Durban’s Florida Road in February 2023.

Forbes has since formally written to the Commission to voice his concerns, emphasising the need for sensitivity in handling such traumatic material.

The footage was presented during Sergeant Fannie Nkosi’s testimony before the Commission on Friday, showing a gunman observing AKA before opening fire at point-blank range as the rapper embraced a friend outside the venue.

In an interview with eNCA, Forbes expressed shock and disappointment over the decision to air the video. “I am not in a unique position as a father, nor are we as a family in terms of families who have lost loved ones, but I want a more sensitive approach. I cannot understand that Advocate Chaskalson, who had the opportunity to view the footage, allowed this. Have they become so hardened that the cause justifies the means? For me, that is the disappointment I have of this whole process,” he said.

There are seven accused in the murder trial for Forbes and Motsoane, which is set to be heard at the Durban High Court.

A pre-trial conference has been planned for next month, with the trial proper scheduled to begin in mid-June.

Among the accused are the Ndimande brothers, Siyabonga and Malusi, who were previously extradited from eSwatini to stand trial in this matter.

They initially abandoned their respective bail applications but earlier this month informed the Durban Magistrate's Court that they intended to apply for bail. Their bail hearing has been scheduled for April 10.

DAILY NEWS