A Zimbabwean dance outfit, Banyana Bafana, which is having a stint in Malawi, has been arrested and will appear in court on September 3 for allegedly overstaying in that country.
Members of the group were arrested about two weeks ago following the alleged expiry of their permits to perform in Malawi where they were reported to have had a successful tour.
A report in Malawi’s Daily Times newspaper said the nine members of the group crossed into Malawi on May 31 through Mwanza border and were granted two weeks to perform live stage dances and that after the fortnight elapsed, they extended their stay up to June 30 through normal channels at immigration headquarters.
However, according to the police, after June 30 the suspected illegal immigrants never legally extended their stay. Police alleged members of the group continued with their performances in various districts of Malawi.
The paper said the group was supposed to appear at South Lunzu First Grade Magistrate Court last Friday, but the case was adjourned because their lawyer Jai Banda, who is also BanyanaBafana’s promoter in Malawi, was not available.
“On Tuesday they appeared in court, but then, since I had just arrived from Lilongwe and did not have enough details, I asked for another adjournment and so the case has been shifted to September 3,” Banda told Daily Times.
He added that the Harare–based group would continue to stay in the country waiting for the court appearance.
Banyana Bafana was formed in 1998 in Bulawayo where it became a hit and then moved to the capital, Harare.
