CAPE TOWN - Tony Forbes says he remains convinced that his late son, rapper AKA, whose real name was Kiernan Forbes, did not murder his fiancée, Anele Tembe.
Speaking ahead of the inquest into Tembe’s death, Forbes described the proceedings as a crucial part of the legal process, saying his family has long awaited the opportunity for the evidence to be examined in court.
An inquest into Tembe’s death is set to begin on Monday in the Cape Town magistrate’s court.
READ | Anele Tembe inquest begins five years after her death
Forbes said the family believes the inquest will provide a balanced platform for all the evidence to be presented and tested, maintaining that the information they have seen supports AKA’s innocence.
He also criticised what he described as attempts to influence public opinion through media reports, arguing that evidence relating to the case should be presented during the inquest rather than debated in the media.
“For me, the inquest is part of the process; it's got to run its course. It is important not just for me, but for us as a family. All along, we've been waiting for the inquest to happen, so that the facts are put on the table in a balanced way," Forbes told eNCA.
"We are absolutely convinced that Kiernan did not murder his fiancée. And the information that we've had has proven that."
Forbes also said the information emerging ahead of the inquest is not new.
He has released text messages between AKA, Anele Tembe and a lawyer representing the Tembe family, which he says raise questions about the events leading up to her death.