An investigation into the death of AKA’s fiancée Anele “Nelli” Tembe is ongoing as new information about her death emerges.
Nelli died on Sunday at the Pepper Club Hotel in Cape Town, apparently after falling from the hotel’s 10th floor.
After photographs of police blocking the road at the hotel circulated on social media on Sunday morning, the nation was shocked to learn of Nelli’s murder.
The couple was seen on AKA’s Instagram Stories just hours before the death, shopping at the Maxhosa store at the V&A Waterfront before having lunch with friends. After that, they were spotted at Ayeyep Lifestyle Bar, where the rapper was playing.
Witnesses at the scene heard a yell, then a “loud doef” whistle, and finally a man shouting.
Shawn Herbst, a Netcare 911 spokesperson, said Nelli died at the scene.
Herbst said, “When paramedics arrived on the scene, she had suffered polytraumatic injuries.”
“She was in critical condition, and they began resuscitation with full life support. Sadly, her injuries were too grave, and she was pronounced dead.”
The hotel received a call at 7.30 a.m. about an “incident” involving a 22-year-old girl, according to general manager Efi Ella.
“The case is being looked into. It’s a 22-year-old woman, and police are currently investigating. We’ll let you know as soon as we have more information,” Ella said.
Capt FC van Wyk, a spokesman for the Western Cape police, confirmed that crime scene investigators were searching for evidence at the hotel.
“Cape Town Central police are looking into an inquest case following an incident at a hotel this morning at around 7.45 a.m. on the corner of Loop and Bloem streets in the CBD, where the body of a 22-year-old woman was discovered deceased,” Van Wyk said.
AKA and Nelli’s families issued a joint statement in which they requested privacy and time to heal.