Yasiin Bey Arrested in South Africa

The Associated Press has just reported that Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) has been arrested in Cape Town, South Africa for using a false passport. The rapper has been living in Cape Town, South Africa since 2013 but overstayed his visa with his wife, mother and four children, and now may not be able to return to the country for five years according to the Department of Home Affairs. He was arrested on January 9 at Cape Town International Airport and now he and his family have been given two weeks to leave the country. Mayihlome Tshwete, Home Affairs Department spokesman, sent out a series of Tweets on the matter:

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

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

We are all fans guys……but the law is the law

— Mayi (@MTshwete) January 15, 2016

A South African 80 year old woman was recently deported from the UK because she did comply with their laws, it’s unpopular but it’s the law

— Mayi (@MTshwete) January 15, 2016