Mos Def to appear in court
United States hip hop artist Yasiin Bey, popularly known as Mos Def, will appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court today for contravening South Africa’s immigration laws.
Mos Def, born Dante Terrell Smith and now known as Yasiin Bey, was arrested last month after he attempted to leave Cape Town with an unrecognised "world passport".
Immigration officials at Cape Town International Airport declined to accept the document, said home affairs spokesperson Mayihlome Tshwete.
According to Bey, he had been able to enter and exit the country previously, using the document.
Shahied Schreuder, the celebrity's lawyer, said it was important to promote the country to the arts and culture, film, and performance sectors.
"Many more international celebrities are looking at South Africa as a destination of choice for retirement and business, etcetera, and we need to encourage that," he said.
It was hoped the matter could be resolved amicably, he added.
(Photo: AFP)