Kwaito star probed over uniform

PROFESSOR taking his award at ICC Durban Picture:SANDILE MAKHOBA

PROFESSOR taking his award at ICC Durban Picture:SANDILE MAKHOBA

Published Feb 25, 2013

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Durban - A police uniform worn at a music awards ceremony in Durban by a kwaito music star was not the real thing, a spokesman for Mkhonzeni “Professor” Langa's record label said on Monday.

“It is not real. You can only get that from a policeman,” said his manager Scotch Mathenga, of Kalawa Jazmee Records.

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.

However, Mathenga said Langa had not broken any laws.

Earlier on Monday, eThekwini metro police spokesman Senior Superintendent Eugene Msomi said Langa's decision to attend the music awards ceremony wearing a uniform was “definitely” being investigated.

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.

Msomi told the Mercury he doubted 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, eThekwini mayor James Nxumalo was among those who saw the star receiving his two awards in a uniform. - Sapa

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