Professor’s metro cop get-up no joking matter for police
FRESH off his wins at the Metro FM Music Awards, KwaZulu-Natal musician Professor may be criminally charged for showing up at the event, held at Durban’s International Conference Centre over the weekend, wearing what seemed to be a metro police uniform.
His outfit was rounded off with an authentic-looking cap with a blue-and-white checkered band.
By yesterday afternoon, law enforcement officials had fielded several queries after pictures of the kwaito singer appeared prominently in Sunday newspapers.
Durban metro police spokesman Eugene Msomi said the incident warranted investigation.
“Metro police are established in terms of the South African Police Service Act. If true, that (Professor) was wearing the uniform, it is a criminal offence. Even if he was granted permission to do so, it comes with certain conditions,” Msomi said.
Transgressors who fail to obtain permission face a fine or up to six months in prison.
Anyone convicted of impersonating a police officer risks up to two years of jail time.
Professor took top honours in two categories in the awards ceremony, broadcast live on television. The event was attended by politicians, including eThekwini mayor James Nxumalo.
The singer seems to have a penchant for law enforcement dress, having worn what closely resembled a police tactical response team uniform at the 2011 MTN South African Music Awards.
Msomi said he doubted that Professor’s most recent get-up would have been okayed by the authorities.