- A forensic evidence expert told the Anele Tembe inquest that the physical evidence does not support a slip-and-fall scenario
- Lieutenant-Colonel Jeremy Philander presented calculations on the fall time and impact velocity of Tembe's body from the Pepperclub Hotel
- AKA's father Tony Forbes attended proceedings and shared his reaction to the inquest finally gaining momentum after five years
Source: Instagram
Fresh testimony has sent shockwaves through the ongoing inquest into the death of Anele Tembe, with a forensic evidence expert telling the court that the physical evidence does not support the idea that she simply slipped off a hotel balcony.
Tembe, who was engaged to the late rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes, died in April 2021 after falling from the 10th floor of the Pepperclub Hotel in Cape Town. The circumstances of her death have remained under public scrutiny ever since.
What Philander told the inquest
Lieutenant-Colonel Jeremy Philander took the stand and presented detailed calculations relating to how long Tembe's body took to fall and the speed at which it would have struck the ground. He told the court the figures told a story that a slip or accidental fall could not fully explain. Philander said:
"The physical evidence is not consistent with the possibility that the deceased slipped and fell from the balcony."
He calculated that the fall lasted between 2.3 and 2.6 seconds, with an impact velocity of at least 82km/h. He testified:
"The absolute minimum impact velocity was calculated at 82km/h, a velocity high enough to cause serious damage to the human body and most likely death."
Based on this assessment, Philander said Tembe may possibly have been pushed from the balcony. It is important to note, however, that his testimony reflects an expert reading of the physical evidence and does not, on its own, establish that she was pushed.
Tony Forbes welcomes the inquest's progress
AKA's father, Tony Forbes, was present in court to observe proceedings. Speaking outside, he said he was relieved to see the inquest moving forward after five long years. Forbes said:
"I'm happy that the inquest is resuming. Um, it's been five years since the incident. So, I think it's good that, you know, finally, the inquest is gaining momentum. So, I'm happy to be here and observe and listen and understand.”
He added that he was prepared to be patient and allow justice to run its course without interference. Philander's evidence has placed the physical circumstances of Tembe's fatal fall under fresh and intense scrutiny, with the inquest continuing to examine what truly happened on that April night in 2021.
New unseen footage of Anele stunned many
New unseen footage of Anele Tembe's final moments surfaced at the Pepperclub Hotel, reigniting debate surrounding her 2021 death.
Some X users rallied behind the late rapper, arguing he allegedly never showed a pattern of abuse with any of his former partners.
Source: Briefly News
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