AKA ‘Thought Anele Tembe Was Just Playing’ Before Fatal Hotel Fall: Witness Reveals
The circumstances surrounding Anele Tembe’s death have returned to the spotlight as a Cape Town court begins examining the events leading up to her fatal fall.
Tembe, 22, died on 11 April 2021 after falling from the 10th floor of Cape Town’s Pepperclub Hotel.
She had been staying at the hotel with her fiancé, rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes.
The inquest officially opened on Monday, 7 September 2026, more than five years after her death.
Its purpose is to establish what happened and determine whether there is evidence that could justify legal action against anyone.
Also Read: Tony Forbes Explains Why He Released AKA and Anele Tembe’s Private WhatsApp Messages
Court Hears About Argument Before Fall
According to The Citizen, five witnesses testified on the opening day, including police officers and Robert Stefanutto, who attended to Tembe after the fall.
One police officer, whose identity remains protected by a court order, told the court that officers were dispatched to the hotel following a report of an alleged suicide.
When they arrived, Tembe was found naked on Loop Street, where paramedics were already treating her.
The officer then went inside the hotel to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
AKA Recalled Earlier Incident
The officer told the court that he initially found Forbes in another room with members of his entourage.
According to the testimony, Forbes told police that he and Tembe had argued earlier that morning.
He allegedly said Tembe had threatened to jump during the argument.
However, Forbes reportedly told the officer that he did not believe she would actually do so.
The court heard that he referred to an earlier incident involving Tembe at the Durban Hilton Hotel in December 2020.
Forbes allegedly believed the situation was similar to what had happened in Durban, where Tembe reportedly threatened to jump but ultimately did not.
Officer Comments On Forbes’ Reaction
The court also heard evidence about Forbes’ demeanour when police arrived following Tembe’s death.
A second police officer described him as appearing “fine” and said he was not crying at the time.
However, the witness acknowledged that people respond differently when confronted with the death of someone close to them.
The testimony formed part of the court’s examination of the events immediately surrounding Tembe’s death.
Inquest Delayed Earlier This Year
The proceedings were initially expected to begin in July.
They were postponed after the magistrate who was due to preside over the matter became unavailable because of a medical emergency.
The inquest has now resumed, with further evidence expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Tembe’s death.