Chicco Twala's son, Longwe Twala arrested again… Police found him busy mingling with 'fellow' street kids

Longwe Twala, son of renowned musician Sello "Chicco" Twala, is back in police custody, just one day after reports surfaced of him freely roaming the streets of Diepkloof, Soweto.

His rearrest comes over a month after a warrant was issued for his arrest following his absconding from the Randburg Magistrate's Court on 25 October. Twala faces charges of theft and, more recently, contempt of court.

The dramatic rearrest on Tuesday, 26 November, concluded a period of more than four weeks on the run. Police confirmed his apprehension in Diepkloof, where he was reportedly found mingling with street kids, pushing a trolley laden with scrap metal. This sighting, reported earlier by ZiMoja, added another layer to the unfolding saga.

Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, confirmed the arrest and provided details: “Longwe Twala was arrested this morning in Diepkloof after a warrant of arrest was issued for him when he failed to appear in court on 25 October 2024. He is expected to appear tomorrow, 27 November 2024, in the Randburg Magistrates Court for contempt of court.”

The initial charges against Twala stem from an alleged incident in August where he is accused of breaking into his father's home and stealing musical instruments valued at over R200,000 while his father was on business in the US. His father, Chicco Twala, expressed his frustration with the police's initial lack of action, even visiting the Diepkloof police station to demand answers. Chicco also publicly stated his belief that his son has a long-standing drug problem, dating back over 20 years.

The situation took a further turn when it emerged in court that, while out on bail, Twala had also allegedly stolen two cellphones from his aunt's residence in Diepkloof, Zone 4. This additional charge contributed to the warrant issued for his arrest.

Initially released on bail in September with a warning pending further investigation, his failure to appear in court on 25 October led to the violation of his bail conditions and the subsequent warrant.

Colonel Nevhuhulwi clarified the timing of the arrest, stating that the police only received the warrant late on Monday, 25 November. The arrest followed swiftly, with Twala appearing before the Randburg Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, 27 November, to answer to the charge of contempt of court.