South Africa’s influential Gcaba family has denied speculation that one of its members was involved in the murder of popular rapper AKA.
AKA, real name Kiernan Forbes, and his close friend, Tibz Motsoane, were shot dead outside a restaurant in Durban in February last year.
Last Wednesday, prosecutors in the trial of the rapper’s suspected killers implicated Sydney Mfundo Gcaba, a member of the Gcaba family, in the rapper’s killing.
A statement presented to court by the investigating officer alleged that one of Mr Gcaba’s companies sent over 800,000 rand ($42,000; £33,000) to the bank account of Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, one of the suspects being tried for the rapper’s murder.
Reports that the payment was made a day after AKA’s murder fuelled suspicion that Mr Gcaba might have paid the suspects for the murder.
The prosecutor also argued that there was no proof that Mr Gwabeni provided services in exchange for the money.
But in a statement issued on Sunday, the Gcaba family said that the payment was part of several transactions between Mr Gcaba and Mr Gwabeni, which were “purely for business purposes”.
“These numerous transactions over a long period of time can be verified through bank records and were neither unique nor isolated,” the family’s statement said.
The family added that it was “concerned” that authorities have not asked Mr Gcaba to share his side of the story, but that he was ready to clear his name.
No connection to illegal activities
“We believe in the principle of fairness and the right to be heard. And we urge that this opportunity be extended to him at the earliest convenience. It is crucial to understand that Mfundo has assured the family that he has no connections to any illegal activities. Nor does he have any motive to engage in such.
“His business dealings are legitimate and transparent, having nothing to hide to anyone, least of all our law enforcement. The Gcaba family takes this opportunity to extend its deepest sympathies to the Forbes and Motsoane families for the tragic loss of their children. It is a message we wish to extend to many South African families who lose their loved ones through violent crime that has afflicted our society.
Request for privacy
“We express a sincere hope for a swift resolution to this case, allowing all affected families to find closure and healing. We request that our privacy be respected during this challenging period. And we commit to providing updates as more information becomes available and as appropriate.”
Forbes and Motsoane were assassinated outside Wish restaurant in Durban in February 2023.
Seven suspects have since been arrested in connection with the murder.
By Agencies
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