‘I Cannot Breathe’: Lynn Forbes’ raw grief as AKA’s murder case drags on

Any mother who has ever lost a child knows a pain that never truly fades.

For Lynn Forbes, mother of the late rapper Kiernan Forbes—better known as A.K.A.—that pain has been unrelenting.

On 10 February 2023, A.K.A. and his close friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane were tragically shot outside a restaurant on Durban’s vibrant Florida Road as they were walking toward their car after dining. Since that devastating night, two years on, Lynn and Tibz’s family are still waiting for the justice that has yet to arrive.

The trial for the murders has faced repeated delays. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), a pre-trial hearing is now scheduled for 19 June 2026, to allow for the parties to address further pre-trial issues and for the appointment of a trial judge. The trial dates are 20 July to 21 August 2026 and 05 October to 06 November 2026.

Recently taking to her Instagram page, Lynn poured her grief into words that only a deeply mourning mother could write—a raw and emotional message from someone still navigating life after unimaginable loss.

This is what she wrote:

“If you were the one coming home today … that would be justice for me. Everything else is just process. This South African air is suffocating today … I cannot breathe,” wrote Lynn.

Netizen reaction

Lynn is not alone in her struggle for closure. Fans across South Africa—and around the world—are watching closely, hoping that this case becomes one where justice delayed is not justice denied. Many long to see the perpetrators held accountable and given the sentences they rightfully deserve.

Moved by Lynn’s touching words, countless netizens flooded her post with messages of love, comfort, and solidarity. They wrote:

HAVE YOU CHECKED THIS OUT: Carol Ofori on staying true and winning big in Media