Fresh testimony has shed new light on the final moments before Anele Tembe’s death. The 22-year-old died after falling from the 10th floor of Cape Town’s Pepperclub Hotel.
Her death occurred on 11 April 2021, involving rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes. The inquest began on Monday, 7 September, more than five years after Tembe’s death.
Six witnesses appeared during the opening proceedings, including police officers, hotel workers and a nearby resident. One hotel employee described a frantic telephone call from Forbes before the fatal incident.
She told the court that Forbes contacted hotel staff and requested immediate security assistance.
According to her testimony, Forbes reported that someone was standing on the balcony. The employee recognised his voice because he had stayed at the hotel previously. She remained on the phone with Forbes while hotel staff responded.
However, she soon heard a scream followed by a powerful bang. A colleague then looked outside and noticed Tembe lying on the ground. Hotel employees and security personnel subsequently rushed outside to assist her.
Neighbour describes argument before fall
Neighbour Robert Stefanutto also provided important evidence about the events that morning. He told the court that he heard a man and woman arguing near the hotel. The argument reportedly became increasingly heated before the situation changed.
Stefanutto heard a woman telling someone to leave her alone and move away. Shortly afterwards, he heard wailing followed by a loud bang.
He then went downstairs after noticing someone lying on the pavement outside.
Stefanutto found Tembe alive and attempted to communicate with her. He asked her to blink if she could hear him. According to his testimony, Tembe responded by blinking.
Meanwhile, police officers examined the hotel room occupied by Forbes and Tembe. One officer described the room as disorderly during testimony. Police reportedly noticed what appeared to be blood on the bedding and towels.
They also observed what appeared to be blood around a champagne bottle. Investigators found a chair and cigarette butts on the balcony. The officer further testified that Forbes described an argument between the couple. He reportedly showed no obvious physical injuries when officers encountered him.
However, the officer said he could smell alcohol on Forbes. The proceedings will now continue as the court examines the circumstances surrounding Tembe’s death. Importantly, the inquest is not a criminal trial.
Instead, the court will assess the available evidence surrounding the incident. It will also consider whether unlawful or negligent conduct may have contributed to Tembe’s death.
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