Rapper AKA, real name Kiernan Forbes, was fatally shot in South Africa on Friday.Photo: Gallo Images / Sunday Times / John Liebenberg

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA AUGUST 03: (SOUTH AFRICA OUT) Rapper AKA (Kiernan Forbes) during Bonang Mathebas From A to B book launch at Sandton Citys Diamond Walk on August 03, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The book is Matheba’s first and was published by Black Bird Books in conjunction with Jacana Media. (Photo by Gallo Images / Sunday Times / John Liebenberg)

AKA, a South African rapper whose real name was Kiernan Forbes, died on Friday at age 35 after being fatally shot in the coastal city of Durban, per theBBCand other outlets. His parents confirmed his death in an Instagram statement over the weekend.

Forbes, 35, was shot and killed at close range outside a restaurant in Durban, South Africa, per theBBC, as another man who reports identified as entrepreneur Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane also died at the scene.

The South African Police Service in Durban did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

A news release from theSouth African Police Serviceon Feb. 10 notes that two men, ages 34 and 35, were fatally shot after 10 p.m. on Friday at Florida Road in Morningside, Durban before two suspects allegedly fled on foot. “Both victims were declared dead at the scene. The motive of the shooting is unknown at this stage and police investigations are ongoing,” the release read.

“It is with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son,” AKA’s parents, Tony and Lynn Forbes, wrote on his social media, “and confirm his untimely and tragic passing on the evening of Feb. 10, 2023.”

The statement concluded with Forbes' parents noting that they are “awaiting further details from the Durban Police.” Police told the BBC that the murders are being investigated and that they don’t want to speculate on a motive.

Rapper AKA, real name Kiernan Forbes, was fatally shot in South Africa on Friday.RAJESH JANTILAL/AFP via Getty

South African rap sensation Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA,performs at the 22nd annual South African Music Awards (SAMAS) at the Durban International Convention Centre in Durban on June 4, 2016. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP) (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL/AFP via Getty Images)

AKA got his start in the early 2000s in the group Entity, before releasing his debut albumAltar Egoin 2011. In the years to follow, he released two more LPs in 2014’sLevelsand 2018’sTouch My Blood, before his upcoming fourth albumMass Countrywas slated to release later this month.

AKA’s final Instagram post was in promotion of his upcoming album and included a few pictures of him working in the studio and one of him pointing to the sky. “MASS COUNTRY 27/02/2023 🌵🏆 … hit the link in the bio and pre add the album 💿 NOW,” he wrote.

source: people.com