New toxicology findings have emerged in the inquest into the death of Anele Tembe, with a forensic analysis reportedly revealing traces of cocaine, alcohol-related substances and prescription medication in samples taken from the late 22-year-old.
Also see: Anele Tembe case update: Inquest adjourned after new testimony
The evidence was presented at the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court as the formal inquest into Anele’s death continued on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. Anele died on 11 April 2021 after falling from the 10th floor of the Pepperclub Hotel in Cape Town.
Anele was engaged to rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes at the time of her death. The inquest is examining the circumstances surrounding her fatal fall and whether anyone’s negligence or unlawful conduct may have contributed to her death.
Cocaine and related substances detected
According to testimony from a toxicologist, forensic testing of Anele’s stomach, blood and eye samples was conducted on 21 April 2021, ten days after her death. The analysis detected cocaine and substances produced when the body metabolises the drug.
The court also heard that a substance associated with the combined use of cocaine and alcohol was present, alongside antidepressant and antipsychotic medication. However, the toxicologist said the results could not establish precisely when the cocaine had been consumed, reported EWN.
The findings add another layer of evidence for the court to consider. However, the presence of these substances does not, by itself, establish what role, if any, they played in the events leading to Anele’s death.
[JUST IN] #AneleTembeInquest
A toxicologist, who’s asked not to be named, has told the inquest that traces of cocaine, alcohol, anti depressants, anti psychotic medication & mood stabiliser were found in Anele Tembe’s stomach, blood, and eyes during analysis @NtuthuzeloNene
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) October 20, 2026
Also see: Anele Tembe’s inquest back in the spotlight as new details emerge
Inquest examines circumstances surrounding fatal fall
The toxicology evidence comes as the inquest continues to examine forensic findings from the hotel room and balcony where Anele fell.
On Monday, the court heard that investigators found a footprint believed to belong to Anele on the outer edge of the balcony railing. Investigators also reported that no fingerprints were recovered from the railing, with possible contamination of the scene raised as an explanation.
According to TimesLIVE, the court has also heard evidence concerning injuries observed on AKA after Anele’s death. A doctor who examined the rapper testified on Tuesday that he had fresh scratches and bruises on his forearm, right leg, knee and neck. The doctor described him as stressed and agitated during the examination.
Questions remain unanswered
Anele was 22 when she died. Her death prompted years of public discussion, particularly because of the circumstances surrounding her fall and her relationship with AKA, who was murdered in Durban in February 2023.
The inquest is intended to establish when and how Anele died and whether negligence or unlawful conduct by another person contributed to her death. The toxicology results form part of the broader evidence being examined by the court.
The findings do not, on their own, determine the cause or circumstances of Anele’s fatal fall. Further testimony and the court’s assessment of the evidence will be central to the inquest’s conclusions.
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