Sylvie Claire / February 12, 2023

Kiernan Forbes, one of South Africa’s most popular rappers known by his stage name AKA, was shot dead as he left a restaurant in the southeastern city of Durban, his family said Saturday.

It is with extreme sadness that we learn of the passing of our beloved son,” wrote his parents Tony and Lynn Forbes on their Twitter account.

AKA, a South African hip-hop star, won numerous awards in his country and was nominated once for an MTV Europe Music Award.

He was killed Friday night, as was another man next to him, as they had just exited a restaurant and were walking to their car.

“They were reportedly approached by two armed suspects who crossed the street toward them and shot the victims at close range,” police said in a statement.

The motive is unknown at this time and the police have opened an investigation.

Shootings are common in South Africa, which has one of the highest homicide rates in the world.

Many people are licensed to carry firearms for personal protection, but even more illegal weapons are in circulation.