Tags: AF | South Africa | Mos Def Arrested

US Rapper Mos Def Arrested at South African Airport

Saturday, 16 January 2016 07:03 PM EST

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The American entertainer commonly known as Mos Def has 14 days to leave South Africa after he was arrested for violating local immigration laws while trying to leave the country, a government spokesman said Friday.

The rapper and actor, who now goes by the name Yasiin Bey, appeared in a South African court after he was arrested at Cape Town International airport on Thursday, said Department of Home Affairs spokesman Mayihlome Tshwete.

Mos Def produced an unrecognized "world passport" when he tried to leave the country, Tshwete said.

The 42-year-old entertainer entered the country on an American passport in 2013 and overstayed his visitor's permit by 2014, the spokesman said.

A court order to leave the country means the rapper is banned from South Africa for five years, but may appeal to officials for leniency, Tshwete said. Mos Def appeared alongside family members who were also in the country without a permit, the spokesman said.

The New York rapper has lived in Cape Town since May 2013, according to a South African newspaper, the Mail and Guardian.

Mos Def, born Dante Smith, starred in films such as "The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy," ''The Italian Job" and "Life of Crime."

© Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


Africa
The American entertainer commonly known as Mos Def has 14 days to leave South Africa after he was arrested for violating local immigration laws while trying to leave the country, a government spokesman said Friday.The rapper and actor, who now goes by the name Yasiin Bey,...
AF, South Africa, Mos Def Arrested
202
2016-03-16
Saturday, 16 January 2016 07:03 PM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.
Join the Newsmax Community
Read and Post Comments
Please review Community Guidelines before posting a comment.
 
 
TOP

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
NEWSMAX.COM
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved