Popular artist arrested for being illegal immigrant

Mbiza "Zozo" spent the whole of Wednesday night in the police cells, and he phoned the police liaison officer, Capt Ailwei Mushavhanamadi, explaining his situation. According to the police, the Thohoyandou SAPS sometimes use Zozo to entertain the public during anti-crime campaigns in the Vhembe District.

Mushavhanamadi confirmed that Zozo arrived at the Thohoyandou police station on Wednesday to collect payment for his performance at an anti-crime rally. When he was asked to produce his identity document, Zozo failed to produce a South African identity document and the police arrested him.

He is a talented artist, who excels at composing Zimbabwean and Venda songs that attract listeners of all ages. Zozo and his group, Sengere Super Beat, are household names in the area, and many people remember him for his song Vho-Masindi, one of the all-time hits in the area.

The police confirmed that he will be deported back to Zimbabwe like other illegal immigrants.

News - Date: 26 March 2004

Godfrey Mandiwana

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