Yasiin Bey appeared in court today (March 8) in South Africa for reportedly violating immigration laws.
According to News24, the rapper formerly known as Mos Def was in Bellville Magistrate’s Court because the government asked to postpone the case to complete its investigation. His attorney, Shahied Schreuder, did not object to the motion. The parties are due back in court March 24.
Bey was arrested in January for attempting to use a “world passport.” He says that he has used the document in his previous travels without problems.
He is facing charges stemming from three crimes for using the passport.
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(This article was last updated on January 20, 2016 and is as follows.)
Yasiin Bey has been charged with three immigration crimes by South Africa, according to The Associated Press. He is facing charges of using a false identity, using an unrecognized travel document and helping his family stay in the country illegally, South African Home Affairs Director General Mkuseli Apleni said.
The rapper-actor formerly known as Mos Def is out on bail and has a March 8 court date.
He has denied using bogus travel documents.
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(The original post in this thread was published January 15, 2016. It is as follows.)
Yasiin Bey was arrested yesterday (January 14) in South Africa, according to the Associated Press.
The rapper formerly known as Mos Def appeared in court after being taken into custody at at Cape Town International airport when he presented an “unrecognized ‘world passport,'” says Department of Home Affairs spokesman Mayihlome Tshwete. Family members who appeared in court with Bey did not have permits to reside in South Africa.
Bey has lived in the country since 2013. Upon his arrival in South Africa, he presented a American passport. His visitor’s permit was only valid through 2014, which he violated by staying in the country.
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Bey was given 14 days to leave the country and is banned from South Africa for five years, which he can appeal for leniency.
