OkMalumKoolKat jailed for sex offence
OkMalumkoolKat gets six months in Australia
ONE of rapper Simiso “OkMalumKoolKat ” Zwane ’ s relatives says they were shocked by the news that the artist was arrested on charges of sexual assault in Tasmania.
The woman, who asked not to be named, said the family had not yet been officially informed of the artist's arrest.
“We became aware of his arrest through the news and we are shocked. I can ’ t really say what kind of childhood he led because he was staying in Umlazi, which was far from us,” said the relative.
Department of international relations spokesman Nelson Kgwete said that they did not know anything about Zwane ’ s arrest.
The 33-year-old rapper, who featured on Rikhado “Riky Rick ” Makhado ’ s smash hit
Amantombazane, received a six-month jail sentence (five months suspended) in Hobart, Tasmania for sexually “mauling ” a female colleague in a Hobart hotel room while attending the 2016 MONA FOMA festival.
According to reports, he returned drunk to the Old Woolstore Hotel and was unable to find his room, following which he entered a female artist ’ s hotel room and indecently assaulted her.
It is said that Zwane ’ s lawyers requested a fine instead of a jail sentence but were knocked back as the artist was scheduled to leave Australia the next day and the fine could not be enforced.
A statement issued by his public relations team said: “At this stage, we have limited information regarding the judgment on Simiso Zwane in Australia, but with no previous legal charges or history of any violence whatsoever and knowing Simiso as we and most of you all do, we can say that the news comes as a huge surprise and one which has truly rocked us all.
“Having said this, we are by no means disputing the woman ’ s claims which are taken incredibly seriously and must abide by the courts ruling.
“Our thoughts are with all affected and who will continue to be affected by this terrible situation.
“We will update you on the progress of this incident. Your patience during this period will be greatly appreciated. We ask that all queries be directed to his PR team at Stamp Communications. ”
Zwane was featured on Cassper Nyovest ’ s hit song
Gusheshe. He is currently signed to Austrian label Affine Records, under which he has released his debut extended play (EP), titled Holy Oxygen.
Affine Records had not responded to questions at the time of going to print.