Chicco Twala's troublesome son Longwe thrown in jail after being re-arrested

Renowned music producer Sello "Chicco" Twala's son, Longwe Twala, will languish in custody following his re-arrest and subsequent court appearance.

Longwe, who was initially released after facing theft charges alongside his brother, found himself back in the dock this week after failing to appear at a previous court hearing.

The case, which involves allegations of theft of recording equipment valued at approximately R200 000, has taken a dramatic turn, raising questions about the family's internal dynamics and the legal process itself.

Longwe's arrest on Tuesday in Diepkloof followed his absence from a court hearing last month. He attempted to explain his absence by claiming illness, stating that he had informed his aunt of his poor health. However, the lack of a medical certificate to support this claim proved problematic, leading to his immediate arrest. The charges against him stem from a theft complaint filed by his father, Chicco Twala, in September.

Chicco Twala alleged that Longwe and his brother, Sello, ransacked his recording studio at the family home while he was in the United States, stealing valuable equipment. The equipment, according to Chicco, is worth around R200 000. While both sons initially appeared in court, Sello was subsequently released due to insufficient evidence linking him to the alleged crime.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, shed light on the legal implications of Longwe's missed court appearance. She explained the standard procedure: "When someone misses a court appearance, they typically have to give an explanation, according to Phindi Mjonondwane, the NPA’s regional spokesperson. In this instance, Longwe did not provide any, hence the court has postponed the matter for the state to ascertain what he alleged in court."

Longwe's appearance at the Randburg magistrate’s court on Wednesday focused on his failure to appear at the previous hearing, a matter of contempt of court. The state intends to oppose his bail application, citing his previous failure to attend court as evidence of his unreliability.

Mjonondwane elaborated on the state's position: “The process of him applying for bail is within his rights. However, the court will make a decision regarding his contempt of court hearing. Most probably, as the state, we will be opposing his release on bail as he has already shown that he cannot be trusted.”

The case has been postponed until December 4th to allow the investigating officer time to gather further evidence. Specifically, an affidavit is required to confirm Longwe's address and corroborate his claim of illness and notification to his aunt. The postponement provides an opportunity for the state to strengthen its case and for the court to fully consider the circumstances surrounding Longwe's absence from the previous hearing.