According to the BBC, the police disclosed that hitmen were hired to target AKA, though no motive has been disclosed yet. Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, stated in a press briefing that it was evident AKA was under surveillance from the airport, and Tibz was an unintended victim in the attack.

The suspects, all under 36 years old, are set to appear in court on Thursday. Lt Gen Mkwananzi further stated that the accused individuals had varied roles in the plot to assassinate AKA. This includes two alleged gunmen, three spotters who trailed AKA from the airport, someone who provided firearms for the attack, and the alleged mastermind. Some of the suspects are also allegedly involved in unrelated murder cases.

Six suspects were arrested on Tuesday, with a seventh apprehended on Wednesday morning, according to police spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda. The latter, a 30-year-old South African, is accused of acting as a spotter. The two alleged gunmen were found in Eswatini and are undergoing processes for extradition to face charges in South Africa.

Recovered exhibits from the arrests include vehicles, firearms linked to the murders, and empty cartridges. Police Minister Bheki Cele acknowledged the disturbance caused by the killings, expressing hope that the arrests would bring some solace to South Africans.

The motive for the murders is yet to be revealed, with Minister Cele suggesting it will emerge during court proceedings. AKA, known for his musical prowess both locally and internationally, began his career with the rap group Entity before achieving solo success. He received numerous awards and posthumous honors, including recognition at the BET Hip Hop Awards.

AKA, known for his musical prowess both locally and internationally, began his career with the rap group Entity before achieving solo success.