Tony Forbes has explained that financial considerations surrounding his late son’s estate influenced the Forbes family’s initial decision not to appoint legal representatives at the Anele Tembe inquest. However, he has made it clear that the family could still seek legal counsel as the proceedings continue.
Tony Forbes, father of the late South African rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, has provided insight into the family’s decision to initially proceed without lawyers at the inquest into the death of Anele Tembe.
Speaking to journalists outside the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 19 October 2026, Tony explained that the decision was largely influenced by the need to manage the resources of his son’s deceased estate carefully.
He emphasised that the family’s initial decision should not be interpreted as a permanent refusal to participate in the proceedings with legal representation.
According to Forbes, allocating resources from a deceased estate requires careful consideration, and the family had to weigh its options before deciding how to proceed.
Tony Forbes Says Legal Representation Remains an Option
Addressing the family’s position, Tony Forbes explained that choosing not to appoint lawyers initially did not mean they had closed the door on legal assistance.
His comments come after questions emerged about the Forbes family’s participation in the inquest, particularly following the withdrawal of its previous legal representatives.
Forbes attended the proceedings on Monday for the first time since the inquest opened in July 2026. He had previously been identified as a potential witness but withdrew shortly before he was expected to testify.
The latest development leaves open the possibility that the family could appoint new legal representatives as the inquiry progresses.
What Is the Anele Tembe Inquest Investigating?
The inquest is examining the circumstances surrounding the death of Anele Tembe, who died on 11 April 2021 after falling from the 10th floor of the Pepperclub Hotel in Cape Town.
Tembe, who was 22 years old, was engaged to AKA and was staying with the rapper at the hotel when the incident occurred.
The inquiry aims to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and determine whether the available evidence supports a finding of criminal responsibility.
During previous hearings, witnesses gave accounts of events at the hotel, including an alleged argument, screams and a reported request for security assistance involving someone on the balcony.
These accounts form part of the evidence presented to the inquiry, and the final findings will depend on the evidence considered through the legal process.
Forbes Family Faces Two Major Legal Proceedings
The Tembe inquest is unfolding while the Forbes family continues to follow the separate murder case involving AKA and his close friend, Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane.
The two men were murdered in Durban in February 2023, and the case is being heard in the Durban High Court.
The simultaneous proceedings present additional practical and emotional challenges for the family, which has endured the loss of AKA while remaining involved in developments surrounding Tembe’s death.
Although the cases are separate, both have attracted significant public attention and continue to generate interest among South African music fans.
Previous Delays and Questions Over Legal Counsel
The Anele Tembe inquest has experienced several developments since it opened earlier this year.
The proceedings were postponed following a medical emergency involving the presiding magistrate before resuming in September. By that stage, the Forbes family’s previous lawyers had withdrawn, leaving questions about whether new legal representatives would be appointed.
The National Prosecuting Authority had also indicated that it was awaiting clarity on the family’s intentions regarding legal counsel.
Meanwhile, the Tembe family has maintained legal representation throughout the proceedings.
During the September hearings, eight witnesses reportedly gave evidence about the events surrounding Tembe’s death and its immediate aftermath. Further testimony from police officials and medical experts is expected as the inquiry continues.
What Happens Next for the Forbes Family?
Tony Forbes’s explanation sheds light on the financial considerations behind the family’s initial decision to proceed without legal representation.
However, his comments also indicate that the decision is not necessarily final, leaving the possibility of appointing lawyers open as the inquest moves forward.
Attention will now remain on the evidence presented in court, whether the Forbes family secures new legal counsel and the findings that emerge from the inquiry.
With the Anele Tembe inquest continuing alongside the separate AKA and Tibz murder case, the coming hearings are expected to remain closely watched by the public.
