[1] Known to be personally eccentric,[2][3] he became a major player in South African gold and diamond mining from the mid-1990s, especially through black economic empowerment deals, but was embroiled in allegations of corporate fraud and misconduct, the extent of which was revealed only after his death.
The investigation into his death, involving several prominent businessmen and politicians, received significant public attention.
2010 court testimony revealed that Kebble was killed by hit men hired by his security chief, allegedly at his own request – an apparent suicide-by-murder.
[9] He was shot dead near a bridge over the M1 in Abbotsford, Johannesburg at around 9 p.m. on 27 September 2005,[15] aged 41, while driving to a dinner engagement with his business associate, Sello Rasethaba.
[2] Forensic scientist Dr David Klatzow's investigation was the first to suggest that Kebble had been shot by people known to him with a pistol using 'low-velocity' ammunition used by bodyguards and security operatives.
Despite the closer range, the gunpowder burns in general were not severe, providing further evidence that the ammunition was of a special "reduced charge".
Agliotti, a convicted drug-dealer, was a personal friend of Jackie Selebi, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service.
[4] When his trial began in the South Gauteng High Court, following several delays, in July 2010, Agliotti pleaded not guilty to all charges.
[4] Schultz also testified that all of his instructions had come from Nassif, and thus admitted that he could not directly implicate Agliotti in the planning or execution of Kebble's death.
[17] The Scorpions also investigated accusations that Kebble made millions of rands in disguised payments to the ANC and its affiliates.
[3][29] During the Agliotti trial, Schultz testified that Kebble, through John Stratton, ordered the murder of several people, including Martin Welz, the editor of Noseweek.
The Kebble as it became known, was the most inclusive award of its kind (often criticized for including a "craft" category to be judged on par with the other mediums like painting, sculpture, printmaking and photography) in South Africa.