Tony Forbes Opens Up About Forgiving AKA’s Killers And Protecting His Son’s Legacy

When Tony Forbes sat down for a heartfelt conversation on the SMWX podcast, the father of the late rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes shared something that stunned and moved South Africans: he has forgiven the men accused of murdering his son.

A Father’s Peace Amid Pain

AKA and his close friend, Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, were tragically shot dead outside the Wish restaurant on Florida Road, Durban, in February 2023. Seven men have since been charged, with their trial set for June 2026.

But for Tony, holding on to bitterness was never an option.
“I have forgiven those people,” he told host Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh. “I had not forgiven them before I knew who they were, but now that I know, I have. I still want justice, but I refuse to live consumed by anger.”

His words struck a chord online, with many South Africans commending his grace and emotional strength. Others said they couldn’t imagine finding forgiveness under such painful circumstances.

Remembering The Night Everything Changed

Tony revisited the devastating night he learned that his son had been killed. He recalled waking up after midnight to the sound of his godchild calling his name at the gate.
“Talia held out the phone and said, ‘My dad wants to tell you something,’” he said softly. “Then Trevor told me, ‘Tony, I’ve got bad news. Kiernan’s been shot.’”

The moment felt unreal. “I just sat on the steps by the gate. I didn’t break down; I was numb,” he remembered. “Five minutes later, I called Steffan, Kiernan’s brother, and then Lynn. None of us could speak. There were no words.”

“Dad, I’m With You”

In the early hours that followed, Tony described feeling a spiritual connection to his son. “At around 3am, I was in the shower and felt a rush of air. It was calm outside, no wind. I just knew it was Kiernan. I felt him saying, ‘Dad, I’m on the other side, but I’m with you.’”

He later shared that a medium had confirmed it’s not unusual for loved ones who pass suddenly to reach out in such ways. “It brought me peace,” he said.

A Journey Through Grief And Grace

Travelling to Durban the next day, Tony faced the painful task of identifying his son’s body.
“Those two hours on the plane were the loneliest I’ve ever felt,” he said. “I’d never been to a mortuary before, and now I was going to see my child.”

He described the quiet dignity of the moment: “He looked like he was sleeping. Even then, I kept waiting for him to move.”

The outpouring of support from fans, friends, and strangers helped carry the family through. “The undertakers covered everything. Friends brought food and flowers. It showed how deeply Kiernan was loved,” Tony reflected.

“This Should Never Happen To Anyone Else’s Child”

Tony expressed gratitude toward law enforcement for their progress in the case. “I feel positive about the future,” he said. “We need to tackle crime so that what happened to my son doesn’t happen to anyone else’s children.”

He also spoke about the ongoing Anele Tembe inquest, urging fairness and compassion. “It’s not about us versus them,” he said. “Anele was good to me when she was alive. Both families deserve closure, not speculation.”

Protecting AKA’s Legacy

Tony’s disappointment with recent comments made by former Police Minister Bheki Cele was evident.
“His words reopened old wounds and fuelled false narratives,” Tony said. “Our job as a family is to protect Kiernan’s legacy. When public figures make comments like that, they harm it.”

He called on the National Prosecuting Authority to clarify the facts and preserve the dignity of everyone involved.

“AKA gave so much to South African music,” he said firmly. “We owe it to him to keep his name clean, to celebrate his art, and to ensure the truth is heard.”

The Power Of Forgiveness

In a country grappling with high levels of violent crime, Tony Forbes’ words resonated beyond celebrity circles. Forgiveness, he reminded South Africans, isn’t weaknessit’s a way to reclaim peace.

“Other parents have lost children too,” he said quietly. “I’m not unique in that sense. But if I can forgive, maybe it opens a door for others to heal too.”

{Source:IOL}

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