In some unfortunate news, Yasiin Bey, who I still refer to as Mos Def, was arrested in Cape Town for producing fraudulent travel documents. Bey was living in the city since 2009 (wait, what?!), but the issue came when he over stayed his welcome. The necessary documents needed for the rapper, his wife, mother, and four children to extend their stay weren’t real. According to Department of Home Affairs, he was arrested at the Cape Town international Airport after revealing an unrecognized “World Passport.”
Now, Bey has 14 days to leave the country.
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
UPDATE: A rep for Yasiin Bey spoke with Okayafrica to clear up the allegations against the rapper.
From what I’ve read their allegations are wrong. He attempted to leave the country for a professional commitment and was denied the ability to board an airplane after providing his World Passport.
[World Passport]It’s issued by the World Service —in support of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. His understanding is that the South African government has previously accepted the World Passport to enter the country and to provide visas as recently as August.
Read the full statement here.
