Anele Tembe case update: Inquest adjourned after new testimony

by Chumasande Matiwane

The inquest into the death of Anele Tembe has been postponed to 19 October 2026 after the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court heard testimony from witnesses about the events surrounding her fatal fall from a Cape Town hotel in April 2021.

Also see: Anele Tembe’s inquest back in the spotlight as new details emerge

The latest postponement comes after a week of proceedings in which witnesses gave evidence about what they heard and saw in the moments before and after Tembe fell from the 10th floor of the Pepperclub Hotel. 

The 22-year-old Tembe died in April 2021 while engaged to rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) previously decided not to prosecute anyone in connection with her death, and the matter was subsequently referred for an inquest. 

Witnesses recount moments before the fall

Among the evidence heard this week was testimony from hotel guests who said they heard a woman screaming shortly before a loud bang. 

According to EWN, one witness told the court that she heard a woman shouting words including “Get away from me” before hearing a loud bang. She subsequently heard a man expressing shock.  

Another witness, who was staying on a floor above the room occupied by Tembe and Forbes, also described hearing a woman scream followed by a loud bang.  

A separate independent witness had previously told the court that he heard what appeared to be an argument between a man and a woman before hearing a woman scream.  

He later went outside, saw Tembe on the ground, and attempted to assist her while emergency services were contacted.  

The testimony is expected to form part of the court’s broader examination of the circumstances surrounding Tembe’s death. 

Also see: Book on AKA and Anele Tembe’s relationship to hit shelves soon

Police evidence puts focus on hotel room

Reports say a police officer who attended the crime scene also testified about his interaction with Forbes after the incident. 

According to evidence reported by eNCA, Forbes told police that he and Tembe had been involved in a verbal altercation and that Tembe had threatened to jump from the balcony.  

The officer recounted that Forbes appeared composed when police arrived and that officers could smell alcohol on him.  

eNCA says the police officer also described the hotel room as disorganised, with items scattered around.  

This evidence has renewed attention on the events inside the hotel room shortly before Tembe’s death, although the inquest has not made a finding on how she came to fall. 

Earlier today, the court heard from a hotel manager, the sixth witness to testify. 

According to EWN, the manager told the inquest that hotel staff stopped serving alcohol to Forbes and his group after Tembe’s death. He said he had been alerted that someone had fallen from the building and later found the hotel room in disarray. 

The manager also said that Forbes was with his entourage in a nearby room and appeared to be in a poor emotional state. He said Forbes was unhappy when staff refused to continue serving alcohol but did not become aggressive. 

This testimony provides the court with further evidence about what happened immediately after Tembe’s fall. 

Further evidence expected in October

The court has now postponed the matter to 19 October 2026, when further witness testimony is expected to be heard.  

IOL and EWN reports say six more witnesses were subpoenaed for the current proceedings, with evidence expected to include testimony from police investigators, forensic experts and other witnesses. Cellphone records, CCTV footage and witness statements have also been identified as evidence relevant to the inquiry. 

The court’s eventual findings could determine whether the matter remains an inquest or whether evidence emerges that warrants further consideration by prosecutors.

Also see: Anele Tembe’s alleged final moments intrigue social media

Featured image: X/@NhlamuloNeay

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