Longwe Twala, the son of legendary producer Sello 'Chicco' Twala, will likely spend Christmas behind bars if the state has its way. Longwe (39), who has been struggling with drug addiction for decades, appeared at the Randburg Magistrate's Court today on a contempt of court case. His appearance follows his re-arrest on Tuesday after his dad confronted police at the Diepkloof Police Station to inform them Longwe had a warrant of arrest out, yet he was still roaming the streets of Soweto with no care in the world.

HE CLAIMED TO HAVE BEEN SICK

National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) spokesperson, Phindi Mjonodwane, said Longwe claimed he was sick and couldn't honour his court appearance on 25 October. He told the court that he had informed his aunt about not feeling well. He was released on free bail under his aunt's supervision. Mjonondwana said that when someone is absent from court, the court must hold an inquiry to establish the absence from court. "Such an inquiry was held and the accused was allowed to explain his absence. He stated that he was ill, the court requested a medical certificate if he had consulted a doctor and he confirmed that he did not consult any doctor but he confirmed that he informed his aunt that he was sick," she said.

STATE TO OPPOSE BAIL 

Mjonondwane said that Longwe has the right to re-apply for bail after his bail was revoked as he has already shown he cannot be trusted. She said, "He has a right to apply for bail but mostly probably as the state we will be opposing his bail. We will divulge more of our reasons at a later stage." The former singer-turned-drug addict had been on the run from the authorities for a month after he failed to attend his court matter in October. Longwe was arrested in September after he allegedly stole from his father while he was in the US on business. Chicco alleges that Longwe stole his expensive musical equipment worth over R200 000 after breaking in at his Fourways home in August. His case was postponed to 4 December.