The family of AKA's former manager and long-time friend Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane have confirmed his death and asked for compassion and space as they deal with the loss of their only son. The long-time friends KiernanAKA Forbes and Tibz were brutally killed outside a club in Florida Road in Durban on Friday night. Their sudden death put their entire country in a state of frenzy, and many are pained and mourn their death.

TIBZ FAMILY SPEAKS

Tibz's family had officially confirmed the death of their one and only son and expressed pain in the manner that he died. "To us, Tebello was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. To many he was Tibz Wa Bantwana, Chief of Cool, Summer Time Cool Creator, K1 K9, and the many other names of affection. Our son was loved and he gave love in return. As we come to terms with the devastating truth that our only son is no longer with us we appeal for your compassion, space and time to congregate as a family to decide on the upcoming days." They said :"We thank you for the love and support we have received and ask you to continue to lift us up in prayer before the Lord.'

WHO WAS TIBZ

Before exploring his love for food Tibz who was born in Katlehong in Ekurhuleni, ran an events company, loved hosting Hip hop gigs and was praised for glamorising the genre.  His passion for becoming a chef was driven by the idea of bringing diverse people together who share a common love for food. He was also a chef at his pop-up restaurant, Café Tibz'. In one of his interviews, he said: "Sitting at the table is always an opportunity to connect, most of us come from different parts of the country and when we share a table to enjoy a meal, we are sharing our past and present experiences.'

TIBZ LOYAL TO AKA

In an interview Tibz had with Dj Sbu some time ago, he revealed that he was not only AKA's manager but also a fan of his music. He said he always approached things as a consumer and even though he managed talent he made sure he liked whatever the artist was offering. "When you take it back to AKAI was a fan before I became his manager and I'm still a fan. It's a matter of authenticity and belief in the product. If I don't wear suits I can't tell you about suits, the same with sneakers. I met AKA through Kamza from I.V League, I told him I needed new music for my show, and he told me about Kiernan. From there on he would hype me up and perform some freestyles and that's how our relationship grew. I realised that I was managing this guy but there was just no formal process to it, everything was just organic," said Tibz back then. Tibz was no longer AKA at the time of their deaths.

MOURNERS FOR AKA

Throughout Saturday, celebrities like Kabelo Mabalane, AKA'S best friend were seen arriving at his home. Dj Zinhle accompanied by Oskido was also seen walking into the home of her ex and baby daddy. Zinhle's family later supported her and AKA's family as it was publicly. Though they were no longer together, the two shared a strong bond through their daughter Kairo. Details of the memorial and funeral services of AKA and Tibz are yet to be announced.