According to published reports, Yasiin Bey [a.k.a. Mos Def] has been arrested in Cape Town, South Africa for fraud.
The Brooklyn bred emcee, born Dante Smith, was taken into custody at Cape Town International Airport charging the rapper entered and traveled to and from the country with a “fraudulent passport.”
South Africa’s Ministry of Home Affairs spokesperson Mayihlome Tshwete addressed the situation via Twitter, revealing Mos and his family have 14 days to depart the country.
With regards 2 Mr Smith (Mos Def), SAPS has charged him with usage of fraudulent travel documents.The matter is currently before the courts
— Mayi (@MTshwete) January 15, 2016
Mr Smith has been living in SA with his family without the necessary permits, he was detained upon departure for using illegal travel docs
— Mayi (@MTshwete) January 15, 2016
Mr Smith has been living in SA with his family without the necessary permits, he was detained upon departure for using illegal travel docs
— Mayi (@MTshwete) January 15, 2016
Mr Smith came into SA with a legitimate US passport but since overstayed his visitors permit.
— Mayi (@MTshwete) January 15, 2016
Mr Smith was departing SA using a "World Passport", SA does not recognise a "World Passport".
— Mayi (@MTshwete) January 15, 2016
The Department Of Home Affairs has given Mr Smith and his family 14 days to leave the republic .
— Mayi (@MTshwete) January 15, 2016
In regards to whether or not Mos would be fined or face jail time, Tshwete stated the “courts would give direction.”
The courts will give direction https://t.co/AiWrY0n4dq
— Mayi (@MTshwete) January 15, 2016
Fines in terms of years banned from travelling into SA….."undesirable" https://t.co/rneWs2YIIg
— Mayi (@MTshwete) January 15, 2016
In response to the fans who wanted to know the status of Mos Def and his family, Tshwete tweeted one last time confirming the emcee will be returning to the United States.
He will be free in US soon https://t.co/ROmDAVfTaU
— Mayi (@MTshwete) January 15, 2016
