Five Years After Anele Tembe’s Death, Pathologist’s Testimony Rekindles Questions Over the Case

• A forensic pathologist testified in the ongoing inquest into Anele Tembe's 2021 death at a Cape Town hotel
• The pathologist identified injuries on the front of Tembe's neck but stopped short of linking them to being strangled
• South Africans have reacted strongly, with many pointing fingers at officials over how the case was handled

A key finding has emerged from the ongoing inquest into the death of Anele Tembe, the fiancée of the late rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes, who died after falling from the 10th floor of the Pepperclub Hotel in Cape Town in April 2021.

A forensic pathologist who testified in the inquest said there is no definitive evidence that Tembe was strangled before her fatal fall, despite noting injuries on the front of her neck. The finding stops short of ruling out foul play entirely, but it does not establish being strangled as a cause or contributing factor to her death.

Five years on, but questions remain

Tembe's death sent shockwaves through South Africa when it occurred, and the circumstances surrounding it have remained a subject of intense public debate ever since. The inquest, which is aimed at establishing the facts around her passing, has been years in the making, with critics pointing to significant delays in the process.

The National Prosecuting Authority initially declined to prosecute, closing the file. It was only after former Police Minister Bheki Cele raised the matter at an ad hoc committee that the NPA moved to initiate the inquest process.

Forbes himself was shot and killed outside a restaurant in Durban in February 2023, meaning the inquest is proceeding without him alive to answer questions.

Mzansi Reacts to the Revelation

The latest development has reignited frustration among many South Africans who feel the case was mishandled from the start.

Karabo Mpai wrote: "Had this matter been handled, the trial circumstances accordingly, maybe could have saved someone's life."

Tshepo Tyzo-Botende Motaung responded: "Social media pressure led to some people losing their lives because people blamed and made wrong information trend then somebody got angry and reacted and someone was killed."

Melissa Muller added: "I blame the NPA. They declined prosecution and closed the file. If they did an inquest after closing the file, a life could have been saved. Only after Bheki Cele raised this issue/case at Adhoc committee, last year, the NPA suddenly starts the inquest process..."

Tlou Wabomphesaka agreed: "When we talk about incompetence of our officials we get crucified."

Source: Briefly News

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