The footage, which came to light during last week’s testimony, depicted the rapper’s final moments alongside his close associate, Tebello Motsoane.
While Forbes recognized the commission’s role in addressing serious allegations regarding South Africa’s criminal justice system, he questioned the need to display such distressing content publicly.
“I cannot understand how the commissioners in all their wisdom have become so hardened that they would just carelessly display that footage,” he stated. “They could have shown a screenshot.”
He argued that the decision overlooked the emotional impact on the victims’ families, pointing out that multiple viewings of the clip forced many to continually revisit their grief.
“It was not necessary in the context of the line of questioning,” Forbes continued. “The question was about why this video was forwarded. Instead, now, we must live through all of this.”
The commission introduced the video during the testimony of Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, also identified as Witness F, discussing how the footage of the incident was disseminated.
Although the clip had circulated online shortly after the shooting in 2023, it had become less available, making its re-emergence during the hearings particularly painful for the family.
The commission, which was officially established by Cyril Ramaphosa and is chaired by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is investigating allegations of corruption and interference within critical institutions, including law enforcement and the judiciary.
The inquiry into AKA’s murder forms part of this broader investigation.
Kiernan Forbes, known as AKA, was 35 years old when he was fatally shot in Durban, an incident authorities have described as a targeted attack.
As the legal investigation progresses, with suspects anticipated to go to trial, Forbes’ comments underscore the ongoing conflict between the demands for public accountability and the lingering grief experienced by those affected by the tragedy.
The father of slain South African rap star Kiernan “AKA” Forbes has slammed the Madlanga Commission for airing footage of his son’s killing. The Commission showed footage depicting the murder of AKA last Friday during the testimony of Sergeant Fannie Nkosi. #eNCA #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/BpdfAnFVdT
— eNCA (@eNCA) March 24, 2026
