Longwe Twala, the son of renowned musician Sello ‘Chicco’ Twala, has been re-arrested in Diepkloof, Soweto, a day after it was reported that he had been seen walking the streets despite a warrant for his arrest being issued over a month ago. The 30-year-old former child star had been absconding since October 25, when he failed to appear at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court to face charges of theft. The case stems from an alleged break-in at his father’s house in August, during which Longwe is accused of stealing musical instruments valued at over R200,000 while Chicco was abroad on business.
The arrest was triggered after a public outcry and reports that Longwe had been spotted in Diepkloof, where he was seen walking with street children and pushing a trolley loaded with scrap metal. This sighting came just one day after Chicco Twala expressed his frustration with the police for not taking immediate action to arrest his son, despite the long-standing drug issues that had plagued Longwe for more than 20 years. Chicco, deeply upset by the situation, had even visited the police station himself to demand answers, urging authorities to enforce the arrest warrant.
The saga began when Longwe was arrested in September following allegations that he had stolen his father’s valuable musical equipment while he was away. The case shocked many, not only because of the gravity of the crime but also due to Longwe’s personal struggles with addiction. Despite being granted bail under the supervision of his aunt, Longwe’s behaviour remained erratic, and his failure to appear in court in October added to the growing concerns surrounding his ongoing legal troubles. The court also revealed that Longwe had recently stolen two cellphones from his aunt at her Diepkloof residence, further complicating the case.
Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, confirmed the re-arrest, explaining that the police had only received the official warrant of arrest late yesterday, which led to Longwe’s capture this morning in Diepkloof. The re-arrest came after a significant delay, which had prompted public criticism of the police’s handling of the case. Nevhuhulwi assured that the necessary legal procedures were now underway, and Longwe is expected to appear before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on November 27 to face charges of contempt of court, stemming from his failure to comply with court orders and his absence from the previous hearing.
This latest development in the Longwe Twala case has highlighted the complex issues surrounding both his personal struggles and the legal challenges he faces. While many question the efficacy of the judicial process and the police’s response, the Twala family’s turbulent situation remains an ongoing story of frustration and concern. As Longwe prepares to return to court, his future remains uncertain, and the court’s next steps will likely determine whether he can be held accountable for his actions, or if his history of erratic behaviour and addiction will continue to derail his legal and personal life.
