AKA Murder Trial Witness Says Rapper Seemed To Avoid Someone Before Shooting

AKA appeared to be trying to avoid someone moments before he was killed, a witness told the Durban High Court Wednesday as the murder trial turned to his final embrace with Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.

The witness said the friends hugged outside Wish restaurant for longer than usual. He believed AKA had spotted someone from his past and did not want to be noticed. As they moved around during the embrace, Tibz could get a better look in that person’s direction.

“I think AKA had noticed someone from his past and he did not want that person to notice him,” the witness testified, SABC News reported.

That was the witness’s interpretation of the exchange. He said the pair then stopped hugging and shook hands. As he turned toward the group’s vehicle, he heard a bang, which he initially took for fireworks, and sought cover.

When the group looked back out, AKA had been hit and showed no movement while Tibz tried to crawl away. The witness described the panic that followed as friends called for help and watched Tibz lose blood.

Paramedics tried several times to revive Tibz, the witness said. Both men were declared dead at the scene after the February 10, 2023 shooting on Durban’s Florida Road.

The court also heard from two people who sat in a park across from the restaurant. They testified from another courtroom because they feared being identified and facing the seven defendants in open court.

One recalled a man using his phone nearby, then heading toward a bus stop shortly before gunshots. The witness said two men wearing masks and hats ran toward the park, got into a car and fled.

One carried a gun, but he could not see their faces.

A second witness gave a similar account and said he had noticed the masked men before the shooting.

Under cross-examination, defense lawyer Simphiwe Mlotshwa questioned why his police statement omitted his description of one man’s larger build. The witness said officers had not asked him to describe the men.

The new evidence follows earlier testimony about the shooting’s aftermath and challenges to the state’s firearm evidence.

All seven defendants pleaded not guilty when the trial opened on October 5. They face charges including murder, conspiracy, attempted murder and firearm offenses.

The trial continues Thursday, October 15, with prosecutors expected to call their 14th witness.