What has happened to inquest?

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It’s been four years since the death of Anele Tembe, the fiancee of the late rapper Kiernan Forbes or AKA, and her family are no closer to getting answers via an inquest that has been repeatedly stalled.

The 22-year-old woman suffered a fatal fall off the tenth floor of the Pepperclub Hotelin Cape Town on 11 April 2021. At the time of her death, the couple – allegedly under the influence of substances – had a heated altercation.

Two years later, AKA was killed in a hail of bullets in an alleged assassination in Durban. His trial of seven suspects charged with his murder will begin in May.

REST IN PEACE ANELE TEMBE

In a Facebook post, Melinda Ferguson – who penned the book When Love Kills: The Tragic Tale of AKA and Anele– honoured the fourth anniversary of Anele Tembe’s death.

According to the popular author, the book was written to coincide with the 2024 inquest into Anele’s tragic fatal fall.

“A year later, there has been no inquest”.

Melinda shared how the book – which delved into the late couple’s relationship filled with toxic jealousy, obsession, infidelity, and domestic abuse – saw her publicly condemned by critics and even receive death threats.

She added: “Rest in peace, Anele. Rest in peace AKA”.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE INQUEST?

In the months that followed Anele Tembe’s death, AKA was accused of being involved, a claim he vehemently denied. At the time of his own death, a leaked letter to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) revealed how the Tembe family suspected the rapper of foul play.

According to Sunday World, the NPA responded with news that Anele’s death would be revisited. They also claimed that the family “made representations” questioning their initial decision not to prosecute anyone following their inquest.

Speaking to The South African last year, Western Cape police spokesperson Captain Frederick Van Wyk stated that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Anele Tembe was never closed and is still active.

He said: “The Investigation has been completed. The family of Anele Tembe has been updated constantly on the progress made in the case. To date, the investigating officer remains in contact with the family”.

The inquest was set to indicate whether any criminal offense occurred and if this was the reason for Anele’s death.

NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila told The South African that a pre-trial in the inquest would be held on 15 April 2024, a date which has come and gone.

Melinda Ferguson also shared that it had been “eerily silent” on news of the inquest.

The South African has reached out to the NPA for an update, which has yet to be received.

WHAT FAMILY PATRIARCH BELIEVES HAPPENED

In When Love Kills, Moses Tembe told Melinda Ferguson that he had “strong evidence”suggesting his daughter Anele Tembe did not jump to her death.

According to his account in the book, on the eve of his daughter’s funeral, Moses received a preliminary police report relating to her death.

He said: “I got the reports that gave me the dull evidence of what had really happened on the night before my daughter’s funeral.

“Look, it was 99% sure that Anele did not kill herself.”

Sharing his “theory” in the book, Moses Tembe said: “I believe Anele ended the relationship with him [AKA] … Controlling men can’t handle women who stand up to them”.