Longwe released from prison, angry Chicco Twala worried that his son will now flee from the Senzo Meyiwa murder case

Johannesburg – Longwe Twala, son of veteran music producer Chicco Twala, has been released on warning following a brief appearance in the Randburg Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 25 September.

The release, however, has not brought relief to his father, who has previously expressed deep concern about Longwe’s potential to evade the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, where he is expected to testify.

Longwe, 39, was arrested alongside his younger brother, Sello, 34, a few weeks ago, accused of breaking into their father's house and stealing equipment worth thousands of rands. Sello’s case was subsequently withdrawn due to insufficient evidence. Longwe’s release on warning, with a court date set for October 25th for further investigations, has left Chicco deeply troubled.

Magistrate Abdul Khan, in releasing Longwe, issued a stern warning: “Mr Twala, you are released on warning, and you will return to court in October. You must be here on time, and you can now go home,” he said, adding that any breach of bail conditions would result in immediate rearrest. The state prosecutor, Advocate Esana Moshasha, did not oppose the release.

Chicco Twala, visibly emotional a fortnight ago outside the same court, had publicly pleaded for his son to remain in custody. His concerns, articulated then, went far beyond the current charges. He painted a picture of a son battling a long-term drug addiction, a battle that has spanned over two decades.

“My son is a drug addict. He has been an addict since the age of 17 years old. I have taken him to over 30 rehab centres and we have tried to help him as a family, but we failed,” Chicco had stated.

He expressed fears that Longwe’s addiction posed a danger to himself and others, adding, “I’d rather have him in jail than he be hooked on drugs.”

Chicco’s anxieties intensified due to Longwe’s scheduled testimony in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial. He voiced his apprehension that his son would disappear if released on bail, stating: “I certainly don't want my son to get bail. He will disappear and not be found for his next court appearance. The fact that the defence in the Senzo Meyiwa case would be calling him to testify makes it even more worrying because I know for a fact that he will disappear and miss both his court appearances the day he is supposed to testify.”

The renowned music producer detailed his efforts to help Longwe, including numerous rehabilitation attempts and even offering him a stake in his business. Despite these efforts, Longwe’s struggles with addiction persisted. Chicco recounted a recent incident where Longwe, just a week back from rehab, allegedly stole from his father's studio. This led to Longwe staying at his aunt's house, as Chicco refused to take him back following repeated theft incidents.

“I left for the USA, I sat down with Longwe for more than three hours and he was doing well. He was from rehabilitation when I left and he was doing well. He was also looking good and healthy,” Chicco recalled, highlighting the cyclical nature of his son’s struggles.

He expressed his exhaustion with the situation, stating, “For the past 23 years, we did everything to help Longwe…That boy is a snake, he will never change. The only thing that will change that boy is death because he doesn't have limits. As long as he is alive, he will continue like this…”

Chicco’s statements reveal a complex mix of love, disappointment, and a desperate plea for accountability. While his love for his son is palpable, his frustration with Longwe's actions and the potential consequences for the Senzo Meyiwa trial are equally evident.