‘It wasn’t necessary’: Tony Forbes speaks out after AKA shooting footage aired

More than two years after the killing of AKA, the pain of that night has been brought back into sharp, public focus and his father is not holding back.

Tony Forbes has criticised the decision to show graphic footage of his son’s murder during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission, calling it deeply insensitive and unnecessary.

A moment replayed in a public forum

The footage, shown during testimony by Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, captures the final moments before the rapper was gunned down outside a restaurant on Florida Road in February 2023.

In the video, a gunman is seen observing AKA as he greets a friend. Moments later, he approaches and opens fire at close range.

Also killed in the attack was Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, a well-known chef and close friend of the artist.

For many South Africans, the footage is not new clips and stills circulated widely online in the days following the murder. But seeing it formally presented in a legal setting has reignited raw emotions.

“Where is the sensitivity?”

Speaking publicly, Tony Forbes questioned why the footage needed to be shown at all.

He argued that it did not add value to the line of questioning and instead reopened wounds for the family and for others who have experienced similar loss.

“I’m not in a unique position,” he said, reflecting on the broader reality of violence in South Africa. “But there needs to be a more sensitive approach.”

His frustration extended to those overseeing the process, including senior legal figures who had reviewed the material beforehand.

A country still grieving

The murder of AKA real name Kiernan Forbes sent shockwaves across the country. Known for hits that helped define a generation of South African hip-hop, he was more than just a musician; he was a cultural figure.

The killing, which happened in a busy nightlife district, also raised fresh concerns about public safety in spaces many South Africans consider social and cultural hubs.

Even now, the case continues to draw attention, with many still calling for justice and clarity around what led to the assassination-style attack.

Public reaction: divided and emotional

The airing of the footage has sparked intense debate online.

Some argue that commissions of inquiry must present all available evidence, no matter how difficult it is to watch. Others side with the Forbes family, saying there should be limits especially when graphic content risks retraumatising loved ones.

“It’s about dignity,” one social media user wrote. “Families shouldn’t have to relive this in public.”

Another perspective, however, is that transparency in high-profile cases is crucial, even when it’s uncomfortable.

The line between truth and trauma

At the heart of the controversy is a difficult question: how do you balance the pursuit of truth with compassion?

Commissions like the Madlanga Inquiry are designed to uncover facts and ensure accountability. But as this moment shows, the process can come at a human cost.

For Tony Forbes, that cost feels personal and avoidable.

A father’s voice

In the end, this is not just about legal procedure or public interest.

It’s about a father who lost his son in a violent, very public way and who is now asking for something simple: dignity in how that story continues to be told.

As the inquiry moves forward, his words serve as a reminder that behind every headline, every piece of evidence, there are real people still carrying the weight of what happened.

{Source: IOL}

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