Nelli Tembe’s father speaks on AKA’s murder

The father of AKA’s late fiancee Nelli Tembe, Moses has reacted in shock and sadness to the rapper’s death.

AKA – real name Kiernan Forbes – was shot and killed outside a restaurant on Durban’s Florida road on Friday evening. His death comes almost two years after Nelli allegedly ended her life after falling off the balcony of a Cape Town hotel in April 2021.

AKA admitted to being in a “toxic” relationship with Tembe, following her death. The rapper was also accused of physically and mentally abusing the 22-year-old.

Speaking to TimesLive, Nelli Tembe’s businessman dad – who is based in Durban – expressed his shock at the death of AKA.

He said in a statement; “It is with a deepest shock that we’ve learned of the passing of Kiernan.”

“Kiernan was an extraordinarily talented musician. His music contributed meaningfully to South Africa’s rich musical tapestry. We extend our condolences to his extended family and his fans.”

Moses Tembe then urged the public “to show compassion and give the family space, time and respect on all platforms.”

Moses’s comments come months after he revealed that the family was trying to put the death of Nelli Tembe behind them.

He told TshisaLive last year amid an ongoing police investigation: “We have our eyes focused on establishing the Anele Tembe Foundation, which we hope would benefit thousands of young women and parents.”

At her funeral, Nelli Tembe’s dad made headlines when he sensationally claimed that she did not commit suicide, as stated by AKA.

During his tribute, he said, “As Anele’s father, I categorically state Anele was neither suicidal nor did she commit suicide. We must, as a matter of priority, deal with the scourge that bedevils our youth, alcohol, which is overused, and drugs. Fellow South Africans, we better wake up and smell the coffee. We have a serious problem with substance abuse.

He continued: “I cannot allow an unfortunate narrative to go unchallenged, a narrative that irks me to no end that is ‘Anele was chronically suicidal.’ All I can say is until Anele turned 21, not a single member of her family, my family would have associated her with suicide”.

EARLIER: Family friend Sandile Zungu chokes up as he reads a tribute from Anele Tembe’s parents. Her dad, Moses, categorically states she did not die of suicide. #RIPNellie pic.twitter.com/5ZMG7qQGNO

— Nokukhanya ‘Siri’ Mntambo (@khanya_mntambo) April 16, 2021