The Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal condemns the senseless and violent killing of music legend and Rapper Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, popularly known in the music industry as “AKA”.

According to the South African Police Service AKA and another victim were shot and killed at close range on Florida Road, Durban last night.

This is a sad day in our province and country and the music industry. We are shattered at the manner of his death. This is a tragedy of monumental proportions and we call on the law enforcement authorities and the people of our province and country to join hands in ensuring that the killers are brought to Justice.

AKA was a global ambassador for our music and put our country on a world stage. It is even more painful that this dastardly deed will be eternally associated with our province.

Law enforcement authorities must speedily respond and solve this senseless murder so that the assailants face the full might of the law. Our province cannot be associated with assassins who kill innocent lives with impunity.

We pray for the family, friends, relatives and fans. This is a darkest hour for all of us and a loss to the whole nation. Crime is eating the fabric of our society and everyone must unite and play a role in fighting criminality.

We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, relatives, friends and all his supporters.

The killers of AKA have succeeded in ending his life but his spirit will never die. His music will inspire many generations to come and will remain part of our rich heritage as a nation.

May his soul rest in peace!