Madlanga Commission
1Min
South Africa
Kiernan Forbes’ father says broadcasting the video of the rapper’s killing was unnecessary and deeply distressing.
The father of slain South African rap star Kiernan "AKA" Forbes, Tony Forbes has criticised the Madlanga Commission for broadcasting footage of his son’s murder during proceedings.
The commission last Friday aired the video while Sergeant Fannie Nkosi was testifying, showing the moment AKA was gunned down alongside his friend, celebrity chef Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane. The pair were leaving a restaurant on Florida Road in Durban in February 2023.
Speaking to eNCA, Forbes said it was insensitive for the commission to show the footage, arguing it was not necessary for the line of questioning.
“It was not necessary in the context of the questioning, which was about why the video was forwarded. Instead, the footage resurfaces and we are forced to relive it, while the whole country watches my son being shot,” he said.
While acknowledging the importance of the commission’s work, Forbes questioned the decision to air the video in full, suggesting that a screenshot could have been used instead.
He said he would be seeking an explanation from the commission over the matter.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said they would engage with the family, noting that the matter is private and that the commission is sensitive to the trauma and emotions experienced by all victims of crime.
