Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def) arrested in South Africa

Rapper arrested five days after attempting to leave the country with “fraudulent documents.”

On January 14, Mos Def, aka Yasiin Bey, was arrested in Cape Town, South Africa after presenting a reportedly falsified passport to immigration officials. He appeared before the Bellville Magistrate Court earlier today. According to South Africa’s Home Affairs ministerial spokesperson Mayihlome Tshwete, Mos and his family have 14 days to leave the country after having sojourning there for longer than legally allowed.

The Department of Home Affairs has filed a statement to South African paper Times LIVE:

“Mr Smith was arrested on Thursday‚ 14 January 2016 and appeared at the Bellville Magistrate Court on Friday‚ 15 January 2016.

He entered the country using an USA passport on a tourist visa.

On 09 January 2016‚ Mr Smith attempted to depart the country from the Cape Town International Airport by producing an unrecognised “World Passport”‚ which was declined by immigration officials.

Further investigation into the matter revealed that Mr Smith’s wife‚ mother and four children had overstayed and were sojourning in the country illegally. In this regard‚ an order has been issued to Mr Smith’s wife‚ mother and four children to depart the country within 14 days. This order will be monitored by immigration officials.

Minister Malusi Gigaba has reiterated that immigration officials‚ in the course of exercising their duties‚ ought to apply the law without fear of favour.

The outcomes of the court process will be communicated at a later stage.”