Julius Malema speaks on AKA’s death and the suspects
Julius Malema has stirred fresh controversy around the murder investigation of Kiernan Forbes, alleging that key suspects are already behind bars.
Speaking during an interview on Radio 702, Malema revealed that KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi allegedly shared sensitive details with him during a private meeting.
According to Malema, the meeting came shortly after he publicly criticised the slow pace of the investigation while addressing a rally in KZN.
“I went to a rally in KZN, and I criticised him about AKA’s murder,” Malema said. “I said, ‘Mkhwanazi, our favourite provincial commissioner. I love him so much. But I’m beginning to have doubts because he’s not making a move on AKA’s case.’”
The EFF leader described the killing as a national disgrace, pointing to how one of the country’s biggest stars was gunned down “in front of a camera” while justice appeared delayed.
His remarks, he claimed, prompted a response from the commissioner, who arranged a meeting through an intermediary.
“The sensitive Mkhwanazi didn’t take that criticism. He called Khan and asked for a meeting with me,” Malema explained.
“Khan called me and said, ‘There’s this guy who is asking to see you.’ Mkhwanazi comes with Khan, that’s when he gave me a brief about AKA’s case.”
What followed, Malema said, was a startling disclosure.
“He said the guys are arrested, but they are not arrested because of AKA’s case; they are arrested because of something else,” he alleged.
“Just at the tail end of finishing the evidence on AKA’s matter, then I’m going to charge them with AKA’s matter. But I would not reveal it because if I reveal it, Bheki Cele is going to tamper with this evidence and mess up this case.”
The claims suggest a deep level of mistrust within the police ranks, with Malema implying that internal interference could jeopardise the case if details are made public prematurely.
The murder of AKA and his close associate Tebogo “TBG” Ndlovu in Durban in February 2023 sent shockwaves across South Africa.
The brazen shooting, captured on CCTV outside a popular restaurant, intensified public scrutiny on law enforcement and raised questions about the country’s ability to handle high-profile crimes.
Despite multiple arrests over the years in connection with the broader investigation, no suspect has yet been formally charged in court for AKA’s murder, leaving many South Africans frustrated by the lack of visible progress.
Malema admitted that he had once held Mkhwanazi in high regard but had grown increasingly impatient.
“I love him so much,” he said, with a hint of sarcasm. “But I’m beginning to have doubts.”