A kwaito music star is being investigated for wearing a police uniform to the prestigious Metro Music Awards, an eThekweni Metro police spokesman said on Monday.

Senior Superintendent Eugene Msomi said kwaito star Mkhonzeni “Professor” Langa’s decision to attend the music awards ceremony, held in Durban over the weekend, wearing the uniform was “definitely” being investigated.

The Mercury newspaper reported that the matter had been referred to the eThekweni Metro Police’s professional standards inspectorate.

The SAPS Act of 1995 states that it is an offence for anyone who is not a police officer to wear a police uniform. Permission needs to be obtained.

Unauthorised use of metro police uniforms is regulated by the act as well.

Msomi told the Mercury that he doubted that Langa had obtained permission.

If convicted Langa could face a hefty fine or six months in jail.

Impersonating a police officer carries a jail term of up to two years.

According to the Mercury, eThekweni mayor James Nxumalo was among those who witnessed the star receiving his two awards in the uniform.

- Sapa