‘Leave me alone’: Inquest hears testimony before Anele Tembe’s death - IOL

Witnesses in the Anele Tembe inquest have revealed new details about the argument with fiancé Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, the screams and loud bang heard before her fatal fall, and the unusual request for tequila shots after her death.

A woman was heard screaming “leave me alone” shortly before Anele Tembe fell to her death from the 10th floor of a Cape Town hotel, an inquest has heard.

The long-awaited inquest got under way in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Monday and resumed on Wednesday with witnesses giving evidence about the events surrounding Tembe's death at the Pepper Club Hotel in 2021.

The inquest is examining the circumstances surrounding Tembe’s death and whether anyone can be held responsible. It is expected to hear evidence from between 20 and 30 witnesses when proceedings resume next month.

Several witnesses testified about screaming and shouting coming from the room Tembe shared with her fiancé, the late rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes.

One witness said she heard hysterical screams from the room. Within minutes of hearing a woman shout “leave me alone”, there was a loud bang. She then heard a man screaming.

Another hotel guest testified that he heard a woman scream and then a bang.

He initially thought it was a vehicle accident, but when he went onto his balcony, he saw Tembe’s body on the ground.

The court heard that AKA went onto his balcony, leaned over the railing and saw Tembe’s body below.

The witness told the court that AKA shouted: “Oh my God”. The witness then called for an ambulance.

The court also heard that during the argument Tembe threw her engagement ring at AKA, prompting the rapper to go to a separate room.

An employee of the Pepper Club Hotel testified that AKA had called the front desk seeking security because someone was on the balcony.

The hotel’s general manager confirmed that the couple’s room was left in disarray after the incident.

The manager also testified that he intervened after hearing a drinks order being placed for AKA and members of his entourage following Tembe’s fall.

Tequila shots had been ordered for the room.

The manager told the court he declined the order, taking into account the incident, because he did not find it appropriate at the time.

While AKA did not react to the manager’s decision, the court heard that the rapper was seen to be “unhappy” about it.

A hotel guest also testified that she overheard the alcohol order while having breakfast near reception and was confused about it knowing what had happened.

The manager further testified that he heard AKA say he wanted to give police a statement while the events were still fresh in his memory.

A police officer previously described AKA’s demeanour after the incident as “fine”, but said people reacted differently during stressful situations.

Between 20 and 30 witnesses are expected to give evidence when proceedings resume on October 19.

The Forbes and Tembe families did not attend the hearings, but Tembe’s family has a legal representative following proceedings.

The magistrate has ordered that there be no livestreaming, filming or recording, and that witnesses may not be named unless they consent.

AKA was shot dead alongside his friend, celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, outside the Wish restaurant in Durban on February 10, 2023.

Seven suspects have since been linked to the assassination and remain behind bars.