Prosecutor not convinced ‘resurrected artist’ is sane
2012-02-07 18:40
A psychological evaluation is on the cards for the 29-year-old who has claimed to be maskandi musician Khulekani Kwakhe “Mgqumeni” Khumalo, who died three years ago.
Sibusiso John Dlamini Gcabashe made a brief court appearance at the Nquthu Magistrates Court in KwaZulu-Natal this afternoon on charges of fraud and perjury.
Since the story of Khumalo’s “resurrection” broke, it has attracted significant attention. And it was no different at court today.
A large police contingent controlled the crowd. The area was cordoned off and only family members and the media were allowed inside court.
This did, however, not stop the crowd from trying to shove their way in during the proceedings.
Magistrate Mpumeleli Nkosi granted a request put forward by case prosecutor Sam Mpungose for a psychological assessment to be done of Gcabashe.
“Having spoken to him and hearing the claims he is making, I’m not convinced that he is sane,” Mpungose told the court.
Gcabashe will stay in custody pending the assessment.
Outside court, onlookers were eager to share their opinions.
“I don’t care what they say. As far as I’m concerned Mgqumeni is dead and buried,” one woman said.
Dalingcebo Khumalo, the deceased musician’s uncle on his father’s side, said the family still believed that Gcabashe was who he said he was since his voice and mannerisms were the same.
However, his cousin on his mother’s side who grew up with Khumalo, said the Mseleku family will get together to decide what action to take against the “imposter”.
The case has been postponed to February 14.
- City Press