INLSA
Right, Oskido, winner of Song of the year for TsaMndebele, Professor, winner for Best male album and Best Kwaito album at the 12th Metro FM Awards with Speedy. PICTURE: SANDILE MAKHOBA
Durban – Kwaito star Mkhonzeni “Professor” Langa was ordered to pay a fine of R3 000 or serve one month in prison – half of whichever option he chose, to be suspended for three years – when he appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The musician contravened the SAPS Act by wearing a police uniform without the permission of the national or provisional commissioners, when he attended the Metro FM Music Awards at Durban’s ICC in February. Langa pleaded guilty to the charges.
In his statement, read out by his attorney, Mthokozisi Mazibuko, he admitted that he had appeared on stage in a uniform “identical to that of the metro police”.
Reports at the time said Langa had told police that he had borrowed the uniform from his cousin, but yesterday he said that his manager had chosen and supplied his outfit.
“I knew it was wrong and I needed permission to do so,” he said.
Mazibuko, in mitigation of sentence, said that his client was a full-time musician.
“He understands the seriousness of the offence. But he has pleaded guilty, and this is not a common offence. He had no bad intentions. But he understands the inconvenience and apologises.”
Prosecutor Desiree Bojang argued that it had become “a trend” for criminals to pose as police officers, usually to commit serious offences.
“He is a public figure. He ought to have known better. He has shown the whole of South Africa how easy it is to have access to police uniforms. We need to send out a message that the courts take these matters seriously.”
Magistrate A Singh said he was not of the view that Langa had wanted to commit a serious offence when he wore the uniform.
“And he pleaded guilty, he did not waste the court’s time.”
As Langa had acted on the instruction of his manager when he wore the uniform, it had been up to his manager to obtain the permission of a commissioner, Singh said, before reading out Langa’s sentence. “But he has accepted responsibility for the matter and has not shirked the blame. The court takes cognisance of that.”
Langa’s sentence was suspended on condition that he was not convicted of a similar crime during the suspension period. He refused to speak to the media after he appeared in court.
“I am in a very bad mood,” he said. “I do not want to speak to anyone.”
The Mercury
