More investigations would be done on a kwaito music star’s decision to wear what appeared to be an eThekwini metro police uniform to a music awards ceremony, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said on Thursday.
Kwaito star Mkhonzeni “Professor” Langa, who was charged with impersonating a police officer, possession of a police uniform and wearing a police uniform in violation of the SAPS Act of 1995, had been expected to make an appearance at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
However, NPA spokeswoman Natasha Ramkisson said: “The docket was brought through to the chief prosecutor and he asked for [more] investigations to be done. Pending the investigations, a decision will be taken on whether to prosecute or not.”
Langa attended the Metro FM Music Awards, held at the weekend, wearing a uniform which was strikingly similar to that worn by eThekwini metro police officers.
On Tuesday he handed himself in to police.
Senior Superintendent Eugene Msomi said Langa contacted the metro police on Monday evening, and made a statement to the police on Tuesday morning.
He told police he had taken his cousin’s uniform, without his knowledge, on Saturday.
Msomi said there would be an internal inquiry into Langa’s cousin’s conduct.
On Monday, the Mercury newspaper reported that the matter had been referred to the eThekwini metro police’s professional standards inspectorate.
The SA Police Service Act 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 also regulated by the act.
If convicted, Langa could be fined or sentenced to six months in jail.
Impersonating a police officer carries a jail term of up to two years.
According to the Mercury, eThekwini mayor James Nxumalo was among those who saw Langa receiving his two awards in the uniform.
– Sapa
