A Mother’s Heartache: The Tragic Loss of Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane and Her Son

4 mins read
mother's love grief Cape Town

Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane lost her only child, Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, who was fatally shot alongside rapper AKA in Durban earlier this year. The case remains unsolved, and Ryhab’s health deteriorated since her son’s death, leading to her passing at 77 years old. Her story highlights the emotional destruction caused by senseless violence and the powerful love of a mother. South Africans must unite in their quest for peace, justice, and compassion to end needless brutality.

What is the story of Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane and her son?

Newsletter

Stay Informed • Cape Town

Get breaking news, events, and local stories delivered to your inbox daily. All the news that matters in under 5 minutes.

Join 10,000+ readers
No spam, unsubscribe anytime

Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane suffered the heartbreaking loss of her only child, Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, who was fatally shot alongside his friend, rapper AKA, outside a restaurant in Durban. Despite the recovery of the escape vehicles, weapon, and culprits’ cellphone, the case remains unsolved. Ryhab’s health reportedly deteriorated since her son’s death, and she passed away at 77 years old. Her story serves as a reminder of the emotional destruction caused by senseless violence and the inextinguishable power of maternal love.

A Mother’s Unending Grief

The cycle of life and death is a perennial truth that everyone must eventually face. Recently, South Africans have been confronted with this fact as they mourn the loss of Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane, a devoted mother who endured the heartbreaking death of her only child, renowned chef Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane. This emotional tale transcends the story of a mother’s love and sorrow and mirrors a nation wrestling with the consequences of brutal crimes on innocent people.

Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane’s demise at 77 years old on October 5th marked a somber conclusion to her unwavering journey of love, devotion, and anguish. She was buried over the weekend, and her life was chronicled by the well-known media outlet Zalebs. Ryhab’s health had purportedly deteriorated since her son’s untimely passing earlier this year, emphasizing the emotional strain a mother’s despair can cause.

For those unfamiliar with the harrowing event, Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane was fatally shot alongside his companion, the late rapper AKA, whose real name is Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, in Durban on February 10th. In what seemed to be a scheme to assassinate the rapper, an unidentified gunman fired at the close friends from point-blank range outside Wish restaurant. The two friends had accidentally crossed paths moments before their tragic end, sharing a final embrace.

An Unsolved Crime and Its Impact

Despite the eight months that have elapsed since the media figures were buried, officials have yet to apprehend any suspects in the case. Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, has since addressed the public, stating that the escape vehicles, the culprits’ cellphone, and the weapon used in the killings have all been recovered. He implored fans to avoid interfering in the ongoing inquiry, permitting authorities to proceed with their efforts.

Members of the South African community have expressed their profound sadness for Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane’s death, with many using social media to convey their sincere condolences. One individual, @Zikode9b, commented on the impact of losing an only child, observing that the passing of a loved one affects not just the immediate family but also the broader community and the entire nation.

Another supporter, @elvee_T, recognized the poignancy of Ryhab’s death, asserting that she would now be reunited with her son in the afterlife. As the mother was laid to rest, the enormity of her loss weighed heavily on the thoughts and emotions of those familiar with her tragic tale.

Perhaps the most touching remark came from @pinkdoll_love, who noted that Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane passed away without knowing her son’s killer, leaving her heart heavy and laden with sorrow. This sentiment was reiterated by @ladyhuneebee, who voiced sadness that Ryhab never obtained any resolution or closure concerning her son’s tragic demise.

A Call for Unity and Justice

Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane’s journey serves as a stark reminder of the emotional destruction caused by senseless violence. Her story reflects the experiences of all parents who have lost a child, standing as an emblem of the inextinguishable power of maternal love.

As this heartbreaking narrative continues, South Africans and the international community face the deep repercussions of violent crimes on innocent lives. The memory of Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane and her late son, Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, remains engraved in the hearts of their relatives, friends, and admirers – and serves as a pressing call for justice and the end of needless brutality.

In the wake of such calamity, South Africans must unite in their quest for peace, justice, and compassion. Only through collective endeavors can the cycle of violence be disrupted, and the nation heal and recover from the wounds inflicted by these devastating occurrences.

1. Who was Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane?

Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane was a devoted mother who lost her only child, Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, in a tragic shooting alongside rapper AKA earlier this year. She passed away at the age of 77, and her story highlights the emotional destruction caused by senseless violence and the powerful love of a mother.

2. What happened to Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane and AKA?

Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane and AKA were fatally shot outside a restaurant in Durban earlier this year, in what seemed to be a scheme to assassinate the rapper. The case remains unsolved, despite the recovery of the escape vehicles, weapon, and culprits’ cellphone.

3. How did Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane’s health deteriorate?

According to reports, Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane’s health deteriorated since her son’s death, and she passed away at the age of 77. The emotional strain of a mother’s despair can have a profound impact on their health and well-being.

4. Was the case of Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane’s death solved?

No, the case remains unsolved, despite the recovery of important evidence such as the escape vehicles, weapon, and culprits’ cellphone.

5. How has the South African community reacted to Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane’s death?

Members of the South African community have expressed profound sadness for Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane’s death, with many using social media to convey their sincere condolences. Her story serves as a reminder of the emotional destruction caused by senseless violence and highlights the need for justice and compassion.

6. What is the impact of violent crimes on innocent lives?

Violent crimes have a deep impact on innocent lives, causing emotional destruction and leaving wounds that take a long time to heal. The memory of Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane and her late son serves as a pressing call for justice and the end of needless brutality.

7. What is the significance of maternal love in Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane’s story?

Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane’s story reflects the experiences of all parents who have lost a child, standing as an emblem of the inextinguishable power of maternal love. Her unwavering journey of love, devotion, and anguish serves as a stark reminder of the emotional destruction caused by senseless violence.

8. What is the call for action in the wake of this tragedy?

South Africans and the international community must unite in their quest for peace, justice, and compassion. Only through collective endeavors can the cycle of violence be disrupted, and the nation heal and recover from the wounds inflicted by these devastating occurrences. The memory of Ryhab Niniwe Motsoane and her late son serves as a pressing call for justice and the end of needless brutality.

Previous Story

The Springboks’ Conquest Over France: A Remarkable Display of Rugby Mastery

Next Story

A Bumpy Ride for Casper Ruud at the Japan Open: Surprises and Struggles Ensue

Latest from Blog

Forging a Path to Enhanced Executive Oversight

South Africa is making big changes to keep a close eye on its top leaders! They made a new special committee in their parliament to watch the President. This committee will make sure the President and their office are doing things right and spending money wisely. They looked at how other countries do this to learn the best ways. This means more openness and trust, making sure everyone in power is held accountable to the people.

Cape Town’s Unmissable Weekend of Sporting Action

Cape Town is bursting with sports action from December 5th to 7th, 2025! You can cheer for the Proteas Women’s cricket team at Newlands against Ireland. Then, get ready for super exciting rugby sevens at DHL Stadium with the SVNS Cape Town tournament. And don’t miss Cape Town City FC playing football at Athlone Stadium. It’s a weekend full of thrills and fun for everyone!

South Africa Shines on the Global Cheese Stage

South African cheesemakers dazzled at the 2025 World Cheese Awards in Switzerland! They won many shiny medals, including two top Super Gold awards for Klein River Cheese’s Babylonstoren Parmesan and Dalewood Fromage’s Boland cheese. Nellie Fischer was even named the Best Female Cheesemaker. This big win makes South Africa super proud and shows their amazing cheese is now famous all over the world!

Renewing the Mozambique-South Africa Partnership: Highlights from the 4th Bi-National Commission

Mozambique and South Africa just held their 4th big meeting, the BiNational Commission, in Maputo. Their leaders, Presidents Ramaphosa and Chapo, met to make their countries even closer friends. They talked about important things like making their economies stronger, keeping everyone safe, and helping people thrive. This meeting helps them work together on many projects, from big gas plants to fighting sickness, making life better for everyone in both countries.

Deepening South Africa-Mozambique Ties: Progress and Prospects from the Fourth Bi-National Commission

South Africa and Mozambique are like old friends, working together to make things better. They talk a lot about how to help each other, especially with money, jobs, and safety. They remember their shared past of fighting for freedom, which makes their bond super strong. Now, they’re building roads, sharing power, and helping each other stay healthy and safe. This teamwork helps both countries grow and makes the whole neighborhood stronger.