Photo Caption:The formal inquest into the death of Anele Tembe began at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday 7 September 2026, hearing evidence about what happened inside and around the Pepperclub Hotel on the night of her fatal fall from the tenth floor on 11 April 2021. Image: supplied
The formal inquest into the death of Anele Tembe opened at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday 7 September 2026. Tembe was 22 when she fell from the tenth floor of the Pepperclub Hotel on 11 April 2021. The Anele Tembe inquest AKA proceedings produced testimony across three days of hearings. Furthermore, the court adjourned the inquest to 19 October 2026 after witnesses gave evidence about what they saw and heard before and after her fatal fall. As a result, South Africans now have the most detailed public account yet of what happened at the Pepperclub Hotel that night.
The inquest heard evidence about events on the morning of Tembe’s death. AKA and his entourage placed an order for tequila shooters for room 105. The hotel’s general manager and director told the court the hotel refused that order. Furthermore, a witness described AKA’s demeanour after the incident as fine. AKA’s supporters argue that a man who had just pushed someone to their death would not behave calmly, while critics say the description raises questions of its own. As a result, the court will weigh the demeanour evidence rather than social media.
The court heard that AKA called hotel reception for security before Tembe fell. A police officer, who the court ruled may not be named, told the court he and his colleague responded to a report at the hotel. Furthermore, AKA apparently did not believe Tembe intended to jump. He allegedly thought she was just playing. As a result, the testimony raises questions about what happened in the moments before Tembe’s fall and whether anyone could have intervened.
A witness who lived approximately 50 to 60 metres from the hotel gave evidence about what he saw and heard that night. Another witness told the court about an exchange he allegedly overheard shortly before the fall. The magistrate barred livestreaming, filming, recording and naming of witnesses unless they gave permission. Furthermore, cellphone records, CCTV footage and witness statements are all part of the evidence before the court. As a result, the inquest will likely produce further revelations when it resumes on 19 October 2026.
Tembe was the daughter of prominent Durban businessman Moses Tembe. She and AKA were engaged at the time of her death and stayed together at the Pepperclub Hotel that night. The NPA decided not to prosecute anyone in connection with her death in 2022. The matter went to inquest after AKA’s own death on 10 February 2023. Gunmen shot and killed him alongside his friend Tebello Tibz Motsoane outside the Wish restaurant on Florida Road in Durban. Seven suspects await trial in the Durban High Court for those murders.
AKA’s father Tony Forbes welcomed the proceedings. “All along we have been waiting for the inquest to happen, so that the facts are put on the table in a balanced way. We are absolutely convinced that Kiernan did not murder his fiancée,” Forbes said. Furthermore, the Tembe family said it hoped the inquest would finally provide answers. As a result, the inquest carries weight for two families, one seeking answers and one seeking vindication.
The inquest continues on 15 and 16 September 2026 before the next full hearing on 19 October 2026. The court subpoenaed six witnesses for the current proceedings. The court expects police investigators, forensic experts and other witnesses to testify.
Also read: Tony Forbes Releases December 2020 Hotel Messages as AKA Inquest Delayed Again to September.
Editors Note The Anele Tembe inquest is an ongoing judicial proceeding. The court has made no finding. All testimony in this article came before the court as evidence and does not constitute proven fact. No court has held any person responsible for Anele Tembe’s death.